Sudden Cardiac Death Due to Cardiac Arrhythmia

Although advances in treatment and patient management have considerably improved post-infarction prognosis, the risk of sudden cardiac death remains a major concern. Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is defined as an unexpected death occurring within one hour of the onset of symptoms, often of arrhythmic origin. In patients who have survived a myocardial infarction, sudden death represents a persistent threat. This risk is often associated with complications such as left ventricular dysfunction, malignant ventricular arrhythmias, and structural alterations of the myocardium, all of which can favor the development of fatal cardiac events. Among the risk factors identified, reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, a history of ventricular arrhythmias and the presence of extensive scarring of the myocardium are particularly significant. Assessing the risk of SCD in post-infarction patients is crucial to determining appropriate prevention strategies, such as implanting automatic implantable defibrillators (ICDs). Assessment tools are varied, but currently only left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) \< 35% is identified and validated. However, this risk stratification is unsatisfactory, particularly in view of SCD in patients with a history of myocardial infarction and a moderately impaired LVEF (between 35 and 50%). Although the initial treatment of myocardial infarction is essential for the patient's immediate survival, managing the risk of sudden death in the long term remains a major clinical challenge. A multiparametric approach is needed to optimize prognosis and prevent premature death in these patients.

The goal of clinical trial is to prospectively collect data to investigate the prevalence of arrhythmia in young patients diagnosed with mitral annular disjunction who have no indication for implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) or implantable loop recorder (ILR) implantation according to the current guideline. The study population is young (age 18-60), the participating patients have mitral annular disjunction confirmed by echocardiography and MR scan confirmed late-type gadolinium enhancement in the myocardium. This patient population has an increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. The investigators plan to implant 20 BioMonitor IIIm ILRs over a year in patients with mild or uncertain symptoms (dizziness, palpitations) and no malignant arrhythmias. Aims of the study: 1. Screening of asymptomatic patients with MAD for arrhythmia. 2. In case of symptoms, to prove or exclude the underlying arrhythmia. BioMonitor IIIm ILR implantation is planned in the following patient population: 1. Inclusion of 20 patients with mitral annular disjunction confirmed by echocardiography and late gadolinium enhancement in the myocardium by MRI. 2. Only patients who do not meet the current indication for ICD or ILR implantation based on the current recommendation will be included in the study.

The goal of this observational study is to evaluate if there are differences in DNA methylation of peripheral blood in patients with Brugada syndrome and healthy subjects. The main question it aims to answer is: Does DNA methylation changes distinguish Brugada patients from healthy controls? Does DNA methylation changes distinguish Brugada patients with high versus low risk of sudden cardiac death?

The goal of this observational study is to recognize clinical and genetic risk factors for sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) and death (SCD) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). The main questions it aims to answer are: Are we able to recognize clinical or treatment-related risk factors for SCA or SCD? Can we identify new genetic risk factors for SCA or SCD in patients under 75 years? Participants diagnosed with CAD answer a short survey about their medical history and socioeconomic status. A standard ECG addition to a five (5) minute ECG recording is taken from all the study subjects. In addition to a few short physiological tests (e.g. blood pressure, height, weight, grip strength), a blood sample is withdrawn from a selected group of study subjects. Medical healthcare records are used to follow all study subjects, and no follow-up visits are required.

Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) are widely recognized for their efficacy in reducing the risk of sudden cardiac death in high-risk patients. Nonetheless, there remains significant scope for improving outcomes through advancements in device technology and design. The extravascular cardioverter-defibrillator (EV-ICD) represents such an innovation, offering key advantages over other ICD systems. It incorporates a lead positioned in the substernal space, enabling the delivery of pause-prevention security pacing, antitachycardia pacing, and defibrillation energy similar to that provided by conventional transvenous ICDs. Previous studies have demonstrated that EV-ICDs can be implanted safely and are capable of terminating majority of induced ventricular arrhythmias during implantation; however, follow-up data are limited to highly experienced selected centers and over a relatively small follow-up period (6-month follow-up). The FOREVER cohort study, initiated by the French Institute of Health and Medical Research, aims to evaluate the EV-ICD use in France. This nationwide evaluation will provide an exhaustive collection of all EV-ICD implantations in France, offering valuable real-world evidence on the long-term safety and efficacy of the device.