1
|
Song Z, Bian W, Lin J, Guo Y, Shi W, Meng H, Chen Y, Zhang M, Liu Z, Lin Z, Ma K, Li L. Heart proteomic profiling discovers MYH6 and COX5B as biomarkers for sudden unexplained death. Forensic Sci Int 2024; 361:112121. [PMID: 38971138 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2024.112121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
Sudden unexplained death (SUD) is not uncommon in forensic pathology. Yet, diagnosis of SUD remains challenging due to lack of specific biomarkers. This study aimed to screen differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) and validate their usefulness as diagnostic biomarkers for SUD cases. We designed a three-phase investigation, where in the discovery phase, formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) heart specimens were screened through label-free proteomic analysis of cases dying from SUD, mechanical injury and carbon monoxide (CO) intoxication. A total of 26 proteins were identified to be DEPs for the SUD cases after rigorous criterion. Bioinformatics and Adaboost-recursive feature elimination (RFE) analysis further revealed that three of the 26 proteins (MYH6, COX5B and TNNT2) were potential discriminative biomarkers. In the training phase, MYH6 and COX5B were verified to be true DEPs in cardiac tissues from 29 independent SUD cases as compared with a serial of control cases (n = 42). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis illustrated that combination of MYH6 and COX5B achieved optimal diagnostic sensitivity (89.7 %) and specificity (84.4 %), with area under the curve (AUC) being 0.91. A diagnostic software based on the logistic regression formula derived from the training phase was then constructed. In the validation phase, the diagnostic software was applied to eight authentic SUD cases, seven (87.5 %) of which were accurately recognized. Our study provides a valid strategy towards practical diagnosis of SUD by integrating cardiac MYH6 and COX5B as dual diagnostic biomarkers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ziyan Song
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, PR China.
| | - Wensi Bian
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, PR China.
| | - Junyi Lin
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, PR China.
| | - Yadong Guo
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, PR China.
| | - Weibo Shi
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050017, PR China.
| | - Hang Meng
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Crime Scene Evidence, Shanghai Public Security, Bureau, Shanghai 200083, PR China.
| | - Yuanyuan Chen
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, PR China.
| | - Molin Zhang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, PR China.
| | - Zheng Liu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, PR China.
| | - Zijie Lin
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, PR China.
| | - Kaijun Ma
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Crime Scene Evidence, Shanghai Public Security, Bureau, Shanghai 200083, PR China.
| | - Liliang Li
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, PR China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050017, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Crime Scene Evidence, Shanghai Public Security, Bureau, Shanghai 200083, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Galante N, Bedeschi MF, Beltrami B, Bailo P, Silva Palomino LA, Piccinini A. Reviewing hereditary connective tissue disorders: Proposals of harmonic medicolegal assessments. Int J Legal Med 2024:10.1007/s00414-024-03290-4. [PMID: 39008115 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-024-03290-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Hereditary connective tissue disorders (HCTDs) are a heterogeneous group of inherited diseases. These disorders show genetic mutations with loss of function of primary components of connective tissue, such as collagen and elastic fibers. There are more than 200 conditions that involve hereditary connective tissue disorders, while the most known are Marfan syndrome, Osteogenesis Imperfecta, and Ehlers-Danlos syndromes. These disorders need continuous updates, multidisciplinary skills, and specific methodologic evaluations sharing many medicolegal issues. Marfan syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndromes show a high risk of early sudden death. As a consequence of this, postmortem genetic testing can identify novel genotype-phenotype correlations which help the clinicians to assess personalized cardiovascular screening programs among the ill subjects. Genetic testing is also essential to identify children suffering from Osteogenesis Imperfecta, especially when a physical abuse is clinically suspected. However, this is a well-known clinical problem even though there are still challenges to interpret genetic data and variants of unknown significance due to the current extensive use of new genetic/genomic techniques. Additionally, the more significant applications and complexities of genomic testing raise novel responsibilities on the clinicians, geneticists, and forensic practitioners as well, increasing potential liability and medical malpractice claims. This systematic review provides a detailed overview on how multidisciplinary skills belonging to clinicians, medicolegal consultants, radiologists, and geneticists can cooperate to manage HCTDs from autopsy or clinical findings to genetic testing. Thus, technical aspects need to be addressed to the medicolegal community since there is no consensus works or guidelines which specifically discuss these issues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Galante
- Section of Legal Medicine of Milan, University of Milan, Via Luigi Mangiagalli 37, 20133, Milan, Italy.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Via Luigi Mangiagalli 37, 20133, Milan, Italy.
| | | | - Benedetta Beltrami
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Medical Genetic Unit, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Bailo
- Section of Legal Medicine of Milan, University of Milan, Via Luigi Mangiagalli 37, 20133, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Via Luigi Mangiagalli 37, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Piccinini
- Section of Legal Medicine of Milan, University of Milan, Via Luigi Mangiagalli 37, 20133, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Via Luigi Mangiagalli 37, 20133, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kwok SY, Ho S, Shih FY, Yeung PK, Cheng SSW, Poon WM, Lo IFM, Luk HM. Molecular autopsy in Chinese sudden cardiac death in the young. Am J Med Genet A 2024:e63797. [PMID: 38958565 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.63797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Inherited cardiovascular conditions are significant causes of sudden cardiac death in the young (SCDY), making their investigation using molecular autopsy and prevention a public health priority. However, the molecular autopsy data in Chinese population is lacking. The 5-year result (2017-2021) of molecular autopsy services provided for victims of SCDY (age 1-40 years) was reviewed. The outcome of family cascade genetic screening and clinical evaluation was reviewed. A literature review of case series reporting results of molecular autopsy on SCDY in 2016-2023 was conducted. Among the 41 decedents, 11 were found to carry 13 sudden cardiac death (SCD)-causative genetic variants. Likely pathogenic (LP) variants were identified in the DSP, TPM1, TTN, and SCN5A genes. Cascade genetic testing identified four family members with LP variants. One family member with familial TPM1 variant was found to have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy upon clinical evaluation. This study provided insight into the genetic profile of molecular autopsy in a Chinese cohort of SCDY. The detection of important SCD-causative variants through molecular autopsy has facilitated family cascade screening by targeted genetic testing and clinical evaluation of at-risk family members. A literature review of the current landscape of molecular autopsy in the investigation of SCDY was conducted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sit-Yee Kwok
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Hong Kong Children's Hospital, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Stephanie Ho
- Clinical Genetics Service Unit, Hong Kong Children's Hospital, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Fong-Ying Shih
- Clinical Genetics Service Unit, Hong Kong Children's Hospital, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Pak-Kwan Yeung
- Department of Health, Forensic Pathology Service, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Shirley S W Cheng
- Clinical Genetics Service Unit, Hong Kong Children's Hospital, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Wai-Ming Poon
- Department of Health, Forensic Pathology Service, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Ivan F M Lo
- Clinical Genetics Service Unit, Hong Kong Children's Hospital, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Ho-Ming Luk
- Clinical Genetics Service Unit, Hong Kong Children's Hospital, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Cazzato F, Coll M, Grassi S, Fernàndez-Falgueras A, Nogué-Navarro L, Iglesias A, Castellà J, Oliva A, Brugada R. Investigating cardiac genetic background in sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Int J Legal Med 2024:10.1007/s00414-024-03264-6. [PMID: 38849547 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-024-03264-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is still the leading cause of death for newborns in developed countries. The pathophysiological mechanisms have not been fully clarified, but in some of SIDS cases variants of genes associated with inherited cardiac conditions are found. In this study, an analysis of SCD-related genes was performed to determine the prevalence of rare pathogenic (P) or likely pathogenic (LP) variants that could provide an unambiguous explanation for the fatal event. A cohort of 76 SIDS cases underwent Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) analysis with a custom panel of SCD-related genes. Rare variants were classified according to the guidelines provided by the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) and the specifications of the ClinGen association. Post-mortem genetic testing identified 50 (65.8%) carriers of at least one variant in SCD genes. 104 rare genetic variants were found, 65.4% in genes encoding structural proteins. Only 4 out of 76 cases (5.3%) hosted at least a P or LP variant found in genes with structural or structural/arrhythmogenic functions (SLC22A5, SCN5A, MYL3and TTN). 99 variants were classified as of uncertain significance (VUS). The difference in the distribution of variants between gene groups by function was not statistically significant (chi square, p = 0,219). Despite this, most of the variants concerned structural genes that were supposed to have a close interaction with ion channels, thus providing an explanation for the arrhythmic event. Segregation analysis, reclassification of VUS variants and identification of new associated genes could clarify the implications of the current findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Cazzato
- Department of Health Surveillance and Bioethics, Section of Legal Medicine, Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Mònica Coll
- Cardiovascular Genetics Centre, University of Girona-IDIBGI, 17190, Salt, Spain
| | - Simone Grassi
- Department of Health Sciences, Section of Forensic Medical Sciences, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Florence, Italy.
| | | | - Laia Nogué-Navarro
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), Vic 08500, Can Baumann, Spain
| | - Anna Iglesias
- Cardiovascular Genetics Centre, University of Girona-IDIBGI, 17190, Salt, Spain
| | - Josep Castellà
- Forensic Pathology Service, Institut Medicina Legal Ciències Mèdiques Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antonio Oliva
- Department of Health Surveillance and Bioethics, Section of Legal Medicine, Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Ramon Brugada
- Cardiovascular Genetics Centre, University of Girona-IDIBGI, 17190, Salt, Spain
- Cardiology Department, Hospital Universitari Doctor Josep Trueta, 17003, Girona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), 28029, Madrid, Spain
- Medical Science Department, School of Medicine, University of Girona, 17003, Girona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Shlobin NA, Sander JW, Thijs RD. The need for autopsy in all young people dying suddenly including those with epilepsy. Europace 2024; 26:euae163. [PMID: 38867571 PMCID: PMC11212307 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euae163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nathan A Shlobin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Neurological Institute of New York, New York Presbyterian Hospital—Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN), P.O. Box 540, 2130 AM Heemstede, Netherlands
- UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
- Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont St Peter, London, UK
| | - Josemir W Sander
- Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN), P.O. Box 540, 2130 AM Heemstede, Netherlands
- UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
- Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont St Peter, London, UK
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Roland D Thijs
- Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN), P.O. Box 540, 2130 AM Heemstede, Netherlands
- UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
- Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont St Peter, London, UK
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Lynge TH, Albert CM, Basso C, Garcia R, Krahn AD, Semsarian C, Sheppard MN, Behr ER, Tfelt-Hansen J. Autopsy of all young sudden death cases is important to increase survival in family members left behind. Europace 2024; 26:euae128. [PMID: 38715537 PMCID: PMC11164113 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euae128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is an important public health problem worldwide, accounting for an estimated 6-20% of total mortality. A significant proportion of SCD is caused by inherited heart disease, especially among the young. An autopsy is crucial to establish a diagnosis of inherited heart disease, allowing for subsequent identification of family members who require cardiac evaluation. Autopsy of cases of unexplained sudden death in the young is recommended by both the European Society of Cardiology and the American Heart Association. Overall autopsy rates, however, have been declining in many countries across the globe, and there is a lack of skilled trained pathologists able to carry out full autopsies. Recent studies show that not all cases of sudden death in the young are autopsied, likely due to financial, administrative, and organizational limitations as well as awareness among police, legal authorities, and physicians. Consequently, diagnoses of inherited heart disease are likely missed, along with the opportunity for treatment and prevention among surviving relatives. This article reviews the evidence for the role of autopsy in sudden death, how the cardiologist should interpret the autopsy-record, and how this can be integrated and implemented in clinical practice. Finally, we identify areas for future research along with potential for healthcare reform aimed at increasing autopsy awareness and ultimately reducing mortality from SCD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas H Lynge
- The Department of Cardiology, The Heart Centre, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christine M Albert
- Department of Cardiology, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Cristina Basso
- The Cardiovascular Pathology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Via Aristide Gabelli, 61, 35121 Padova PD, Italy
| | - Rodrigue Garcia
- Department of Cardiology, Poitiers University Hospital, Poitiers, France
| | - Andrew D Krahn
- Center for Cardiovascular Innovation, Heart Rhythm Services, Division of Cardiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Christopher Semsarian
- Agnes Ginges Centre for Molecular Cardiology, Centenary Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Mary N Sheppard
- Cardiovascular Pathology Unit, Cardiovascular and Genetics Research Institute, St George’s, University of London, St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Elijah R Behr
- Cardiovascular Clinical Academic Group, Cardiovascular and Genetics Research Institute, St George’s University of London and St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Jacob Tfelt-Hansen
- The Department of Cardiology, The Heart Centre, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- The Department of Forensic Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Sessa F, Chisari M, Salerno M, Esposito M, Zuccarello P, Capasso E, Scoto E, Cocimano G. Congenital heart diseases (CHDs) and forensic investigations: Searching for the cause of death. Exp Mol Pathol 2024; 137:104907. [PMID: 38820762 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2024.104907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Congenital Heart Diseases (CHDs) are a group of structural abnormalities or defects of the heart that are present at birth. CHDs could be connected to sudden death (SD), defined by the WHO (World Health Organization) as "death occurring within 24 h after the onset of the symptoms" in an apparently "healthy" subject. These conditions can range from relatively mild defects to severe, life-threatening anomalies. The prevalence of CHDs varies across populations, but they affect millions of individuals worldwide. This article aims to discuss the post-mortem investigation of death related to CHDs, exploring the forensic approach, current methodologies, challenges, and potential advancements in this challenging field. A further goal of this article is to provide a guide for understanding these complex diseases, highlighting the pivotal role of autopsy, histopathology, and genetic investigations in defining the cause of death, and providing evidence about the translational use of autopsy reports. Forensic investigations play a crucial role in understanding the complexities of CHDs and determining the cause of death accurately. Through collaboration between medical professionals and forensic experts, meticulous examinations, and analysis of evidence, valuable insights can be gained. These insights not only provide closure to the families affected but also contribute to the prevention of future tragedies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Sessa
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, 95121 Catania, Italy.
| | - Mario Chisari
- "Rodolico-San Marco" Hospital, Santa Sofia Street, 87, Catania 95121, Italy.
| | - Monica Salerno
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, 95121 Catania, Italy.
| | | | - Pietro Zuccarello
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, 95121 Catania, Italy.
| | - Emanuele Capasso
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Science-Legal Medicine Section, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Edmondo Scoto
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, 95121 Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cocimano
- Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania "Vanvitelli", 80121 Napoli, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Tomassini L, Ricchezze G, Fedeli P, Lancia M, Gambelunghe C, De Micco F, Cingolani M, Scendoni R. New Insights on Molecular Autopsy in Sudden Death: A Systematic Review. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:1151. [PMID: 38893676 PMCID: PMC11171636 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14111151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Sudden unexpected deaths often remain unresolved despite forensic examination, posing challenges for pathologists. Molecular autopsy, through genetic testing, can reveal hidden causes undetectable by standard methods. This review assesses the role of molecular autopsy in clarifying SUD cases, examining its methodology, utility, and effectiveness in autopsy practice. This systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines and was registered with PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42024499832). Searches on PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science identified English studies (2018-2023) on molecular autopsy in sudden death cases. Data from selected studies were recorded and filtered based on inclusion/exclusion criteria. Descriptive statistics analyzed the study scope, tissue usage, publication countries, and journals. A total of 1759 publications from the past 5 years were found, with 30 duplicates excluded. After detailed consideration, 1645 publications were also excluded, leaving 84 full-text articles for selection. Out of these, 37 full-text articles were chosen for analysis. Different study types were analyzed. Mutations were identified in 17 studies, totaling 47 mutations. Molecular investigations are essential when standard exams fall short in determining sudden death causes. Expertise in molecular biology is crucial due to diverse genetic conditions. Discrepancies in post-mortem protocols affect the validity of results, making standardization necessary. Multidisciplinary approaches and the analysis of different tissue types are vital.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luca Tomassini
- International School of Advanced Studies, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy;
| | - Giulia Ricchezze
- Department of Law, Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Macerata, 62100 Macerata, Italy; (M.C.); (R.S.)
| | - Piergiorgio Fedeli
- School of Law, Legal Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy;
| | - Massimo Lancia
- Forensic Medicine, Forensic Science and Sports Medicine Section, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy; (M.L.); (C.G.)
| | - Cristiana Gambelunghe
- Forensic Medicine, Forensic Science and Sports Medicine Section, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy; (M.L.); (C.G.)
| | - Francesco De Micco
- Research Unit of Bioethics and Humanities, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128 Roma, Italy;
| | - Mariano Cingolani
- Department of Law, Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Macerata, 62100 Macerata, Italy; (M.C.); (R.S.)
| | - Roberto Scendoni
- Department of Law, Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Macerata, 62100 Macerata, Italy; (M.C.); (R.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Del Duca F, Ghamlouch A, Manetti AC, Napoletano G, Sonnini E, Treves B, De Matteis A, La Russa R, Sheppard MN, Fineschi V, Maiese A. Sudden Cardiac Death, Post-Mortem Investigation: A Proposing Panel of First Line and Second Line Genetic Tests. J Pers Med 2024; 14:544. [PMID: 38793126 PMCID: PMC11122432 DOI: 10.3390/jpm14050544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Investigating the causes of Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is always difficult; in fact, genetic cardiac conditions associated with SCD could be "silent" even during autopsy investigation. In these cases, it is important to exclude other aetiology and assist to ask for genetic investigations. Herein, the purpose of this review is to collect the most-implicated genes in SCD and generate a panel with indications for first line and second line investigations. A systematic review of genetic disorders that may cause SCD in the general population was carried out according to the Preferred Reporting Item for Systematic Review (PRISMA) standards. We subsequently listed the genes that may be tested in the case of sudden cardiac death when the autopsy results are negative or with no evidence of acquired cardiac conditions. To make genetic tests more specific and efficient, it is useful and demanded to corroborate autopsy findings with the molecular investigation as evident in the panel proposed. The genes for first line investigations are HCM, MYBPC3, MYH7, TNNT2, TNNI3, while in case of DCM, the most implicated genes are LMNA and TTN, and in second line for these CDM, ACTN2, TPM1, C1QPB could be investigated. In cases of ACM/ARVC, the molecular investigation includes DSP, DSG2, DSC2, RYR2, PKP2. The channelopathies are associated with the following genes: SCN5A, KCNQ1, KCNH2, KCNE1, RYR2. Our work underlines the importance of genetic tests in forensic medicine and clinical pathology; moreover, it could be helpful not only to assist the pathologists to reach a diagnosis, but also to prevent other cases of SCD in the family of the descendant and to standardise the type of analysis performed in similar cases worldwide.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Del Duca
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 336, 00161 Rome, Italy; (F.D.D.); (A.G.); (G.N.); (B.T.); (A.D.M.); (V.F.)
| | - Alessandro Ghamlouch
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 336, 00161 Rome, Italy; (F.D.D.); (A.G.); (G.N.); (B.T.); (A.D.M.); (V.F.)
| | - Alice Chiara Manetti
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy;
| | - Gabriele Napoletano
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 336, 00161 Rome, Italy; (F.D.D.); (A.G.); (G.N.); (B.T.); (A.D.M.); (V.F.)
| | - Elena Sonnini
- Medicina Genomica, Dipartimento Scienze della Vita e Sanità Pubblica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy;
| | - Biancamaria Treves
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 336, 00161 Rome, Italy; (F.D.D.); (A.G.); (G.N.); (B.T.); (A.D.M.); (V.F.)
| | - Alessandra De Matteis
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 336, 00161 Rome, Italy; (F.D.D.); (A.G.); (G.N.); (B.T.); (A.D.M.); (V.F.)
| | - Raffaele La Russa
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Public Health, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Mary N. Sheppard
- Department of Cardiovascular Pathology, Level 1, Jenner Wing Corridor 4, St George’s University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London SW17 0RE, UK;
| | - Vittorio Fineschi
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 336, 00161 Rome, Italy; (F.D.D.); (A.G.); (G.N.); (B.T.); (A.D.M.); (V.F.)
| | - Aniello Maiese
- Department of Surgical Pathology, Medical, Molecular and Critical Area, Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Kauferstein S, Beckmann BM. [Postmortem genetic analysis following sudden cardiac death : Background, approach, and future]. Herzschrittmacherther Elektrophysiol 2024; 35:31-38. [PMID: 38197940 DOI: 10.1007/s00399-023-00986-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is defined as an unexpected, nontraumatic death with a possible cardiac or unknown cause. The lowest incidence is observed in infancy and childhood (1 per 100,000), and the incidence is approximately 50 per 100,000 in the middle-aged population, reaching a plateau around the age of 80 (200 per 100,000). While most SCD cases occur in older people with coronary artery disease, there is a predominance of monogenetic and polygenetic diseases in the young. METHODS Postmortem genetic analysis (molecular autopsy) using next-generation sequencing reveals a definite pathogenic genetic alteration, which can explain SCD of young patients in near 20% of the cases. Hence, postmortem genetic analysis has become an important tool to unravel the inheritable cause of death. Furthermore, early identification of a pathogenic genetic sequence variant in the deceased is crucial to reduce risk in relatives due to preventive personalized measures. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION Postmortem genetic analysis forms together with the clinical assessment the basis for early identification of at-risk relatives. A new guideline for the management of ventricular arrhythmias and prevention of sudden death was recently published by the European Society of Cardiology. The new recommendations give genetic testing, also in deceased patients a much higher priority reflecting increasing relevance of genetic testing for diagnostic evaluation, risk stratification and prevention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silke Kauferstein
- Institut für Rechtsmedizin, Zentrum für plötzlichen Herztod und familiäre Arrhythmiesyndrome, Universitätsklinikum Frankfurt, Kennedyallee 104, 60590, Frankfurt, Deutschland.
- Partner Site Rhein-Main, DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Frankfurt, Deutschland.
| | - Britt-Maria Beckmann
- Institut für Rechtsmedizin, Zentrum für plötzlichen Herztod und familiäre Arrhythmiesyndrome, Universitätsklinikum Frankfurt, Kennedyallee 104, 60590, Frankfurt, Deutschland
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Corrado D, Zorzi A. Declining Risk of Sudden Cardiac Death in Young Athletes. Circulation 2024; 149:91-94. [PMID: 37955558 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.123.067243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Corrado
- Cardiomyopathy and Sports Cardiology Unit, Department of Cardiac Thoracic and Vascular Science and Public Health, University of Padova, Italy
| | - Alessandro Zorzi
- Cardiomyopathy and Sports Cardiology Unit, Department of Cardiac Thoracic and Vascular Science and Public Health, University of Padova, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Petek BJ, Churchill TW, Moulson N, Kliethermes SA, Baggish AL, Drezner JA, Patel MR, Ackerman MJ, Kucera KL, Siebert DM, Salerno L, Suchsland MZ, Asif IM, Maleszewski JJ, Harmon KG. Sudden Cardiac Death in National Collegiate Athletic Association Athletes: A 20-Year Study. Circulation 2024; 149:80-90. [PMID: 37955565 PMCID: PMC10843024 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.123.065908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding the incidence, causes, and trends of sudden cardiac death (SCD) among young competitive athletes is critical to inform preventive policies. METHODS This study included National Collegiate Athletic Association athlete deaths during a 20-year time frame (July 1, 2002, through June 30, 2022). Athlete deaths were identified through 4 separate independent databases and search strategies (National Collegiate Athletic Association resolutions list, Parent Heart Watch database and media reports, National Center for Catastrophic Sports Injury Research database, and insurance claims). Autopsy reports and medical history were reviewed by an expert panel to adjudicate causes of SCD. RESULTS A total of 143 SCD cases in National Collegiate Athletic Association athletes were identified from 1102 total deaths. The National Collegiate Athletic Association resolutions list identified 117 of 143 (82%), the Parent Heart Watch database or media reports identified 89 of 143 (62%), the National Center for Catastrophic Sports Injury Research database identified 63 of 143 (44%), and insurance claims identified 27 of 143 (19%) SCD cases. The overall incidence of SCD was 1:63 682 athlete-years (95% CI, 1:54 065-1:75 010). Incidence was higher in male athletes than in female athletes (1:43 348 [95% CI, 1:36 228-1:51 867] versus 1:164 504 [95% CI, 1:110 552-1:244 787] athlete-years, respectively) and Black athletes compared with White athletes (1:26 704 [1:20 417-1:34 925] versus 1:74 581 [1:60 247-1:92 326] athlete-years, respectively). The highest incidence of SCD was among Division I male basketball players (1:8188 [White, 1:5848; Black, 1:7696 athlete-years]). The incidence rate for SCD decreased over the study period (5-year incidence rate ratio, 0.71 [95% CI, 0.61-0.82]), whereas the rate of noncardiovascular deaths remained stable (5-year incidence rate ratio, 0.98 [95% CI, 0.94-1.04]). Autopsy-negative sudden unexplained death (19.5%) was the most common postmortem examination finding, followed by idiopathic left ventricular hypertrophy or possible cardiomyopathy (16.9%) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (12.7%), in cases with enough information for adjudication (118 of 143). Eight cases of death were attributable to myocarditis over the study period (1 case from January 1, 2020, through June 30, 2022), with none attributed to COVID-19 infection. SCD events were exertional in 50% of cases. Exertional SCD was more common among those with coronary artery anomalies (100%) and arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (83%). CONCLUSIONS The incidence of SCD in college athletes has decreased. Male sex, Black race, and basketball are associated with a higher incidence of SCD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bradley J. Petek
- Sports Cardiology Program, Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR
- Division of Cardiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
- Cardiovascular Performance Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Timothy W. Churchill
- Division of Cardiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
- Cardiovascular Performance Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Nathaniel Moulson
- Division of Cardiology and Sports Cardiology BC, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Aaron L. Baggish
- Division of Cardiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
- Cardiovascular Performance Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
- Swiss Olympic Medical Center, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lusanne, Switzerland
- Institute for Sport Science, University of Lausanne (ISSUL), Lusanne, Switzerland
| | - Jonathan A. Drezner
- Department of Family Medicine and Center for Sports Cardiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Manesh R. Patel
- Division of Cardiology, Duke Heart Center, and Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | - Michael J. Ackerman
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics (Windland Smith Rice Sudden Death Genomics Laboratory), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine (Division of Heart Rhythm Services, Windland Smith Rice Genetic Heart Rhythm Clinic), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine (Division of Pediatric Cardiology), Mayo Clinic
| | - Kristen L. Kucera
- Department of Exercise and Sport Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - David M. Siebert
- Department of Family Medicine and Center for Sports Cardiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Lauren Salerno
- Department of Family Medicine and Center for Sports Cardiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Monica Zigman Suchsland
- Department of Family Medicine and Center for Sports Cardiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Irfan M. Asif
- Family and Community Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL
| | | | - Kimberly G. Harmon
- Department of Family Medicine and Center for Sports Cardiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Vokač D, Stangler Herodež Š, Krgović D, Kokalj Vokač N. The Role of Next-Generation Sequencing in the Management of Patients with Suspected Non-Ischemic Cardiomyopathy after Syncope or Termination of Sudden Arrhythmic Death. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:72. [PMID: 38254962 PMCID: PMC10815304 DOI: 10.3390/genes15010072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Cardiac arrhythmias and sudden death are frequent in patients with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy and can precede heart failure or additional symptoms where malignant cardiac arrhythmias are mostly the consequence of advanced cardiomyopathy and heart failure. Finding these subgroups and making an early diagnosis could be lifesaving. In our retrospective study, we are presenting arrhythmic types of frequent cardiomyopathies where an arrhythmogenic substrate is less well defined, as in ischemic or structural heart disease. In the period of 2 years, next-generation sequencing (NGS) tests along with standard clinical tests were performed in 208 patients (67 women and 141 men; mean age, 51.2 ± 19.4 years) without ischemic or an overt structural heart disease after syncope or aborted sudden cardiac death. Genetic variants were detected in 34.4% of the study population, with a significant proportion of pathogenic variants (P) (14.4%) and variants of unknown significance (VUS) (20%). Regardless of genotype, all patients were stratified according to clinical guidelines for aggressive treatment of sudden cardiac death with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). The P variant identified by NGS serves for an accurate diagnosis and, thus, better prevention and specific treatment of patients and their relatives. Results in our study suggest that targeted sequencing of genes associated with cardiovascular disease is an important addendum for final diagnosis, allowing the identification of a molecular genetic cause in a vast proportion of patients for a definitive diagnosis and a more specific way of treatment. VUS in this target population poses a high risk and should be considered possibly pathogenic in reanalysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Damijan Vokač
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology, Division of Internal Medicine, University Medical Centre Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia;
| | - Špela Stangler Herodež
- Clinical Institute for Genetic Diagnostics, University Medical Centre Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia; (Š.S.H.); (D.K.)
- Medical Faculty, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Danijela Krgović
- Clinical Institute for Genetic Diagnostics, University Medical Centre Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia; (Š.S.H.); (D.K.)
- Medical Faculty, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Nadja Kokalj Vokač
- Clinical Institute for Genetic Diagnostics, University Medical Centre Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia; (Š.S.H.); (D.K.)
- Medical Faculty, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Buerki SE, Haas C, Neubauer J. Response to the letter from Josef Finsterer regarding our article "Exome analysis focusing on epilepsy-related genes in children and adults with sudden unexplained death". Seizure 2024; 114:127-128. [PMID: 38135577 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2023.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Buerki
- Department of Neuropediatrics, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Cordula Haas
- Zurich Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190/52, Zürich, 8057, Switzerland.
| | - Jacqueline Neubauer
- Zurich Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190/52, Zürich, 8057, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Buerki SE, Haas C, Neubauer J. Exome analysis focusing on epilepsy-related genes in children and adults with sudden unexplained death. Seizure 2023; 113:66-75. [PMID: 37995443 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2023.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Genetic studies in sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and sudden unexplained death (SUD) cohorts have indicated that cardiovascular diseases might have contributed to sudden unexpected death in 20-35 % of autopsy-negative cases. Sudden unexpected death can also occur in people with epilepsy, termed as sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). The pathophysiological mechanisms of SUDEP are not well understood, but are likely multifactorial, including seizure-induced hypoventilation and arrhythmias as well as genetic risk factors. The sudden death of some of the SIDS/SUD victims might also be explained by genetic epilepsy, therefore this study aimed to expand the post-mortem genetic analysis of SIDS/SUD cases to epilepsy-related genes. METHODS Existing whole-exome sequencing data from our 155 SIDS and 45 SUD cases were analyzed, with a focus on 365 epilepsy-related genes. Nine of the SUD victims had a known medical history of epilepsy, seizures or other underlying neurological conditions and were therefore classified as SUDEP cases. RESULTS In our SIDS and SUD cohorts, we found epilepsy-related pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants in the genes OPA1, RAI1, SCN3A, SCN5A and TSC2. CONCLUSION Post-mortem analysis of epilepsy-related genes identified potentially disease-causing variants that might have contributed to the sudden death events in our SIDS/SUD cases. However, the interpretation of identified variants remains challenging and often changes over time as more data is gathered. Overall, this study contributes insight in potentially pathophysiological epilepsy-related mechanisms in SIDS, SUD and SUDEP victims and underlines the importance of sensible counselling on the risk and preventive measures in genetic epilepsy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Buerki
- Department of Neuropediatrics, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Cordula Haas
- Zurich Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Switzerland.
| | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Votýpka P, Krebsová A, Norambuena-Poustková P, Peldová P, Pohlová Kučerová Š, Kulvajtová M, Dohnalová P, Bílek M, Stufka V, Rücklová K, Grossová I, Wünschová H, Tavačová T, Hašková J, Segeťová M, Štoček J, Gřegořová A, Zoubková V, Petřková J, Dobiáš M, Makuša M, Blanková A, Vajtr D, Řehulka H, Šubrt I, Pilin A, Tomášek P, Janoušek J, Kautzner J, Macek M. Post-mortem genetic testing in sudden cardiac death and genetic screening of relatives at risk: lessons learned from a Czech pilot multidisciplinary study. Int J Legal Med 2023; 137:1787-1801. [PMID: 37178278 PMCID: PMC10567875 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-023-03007-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Sudden cardiac death (SCD) might have an inherited cardiac condition background. Genetic testing supports post-mortem diagnosis and screening of relatives at risk. Our aim is to determine the feasibility of a Czech national collaboration group and to establish the clinical importance of molecular autopsy and family screening. From 2016 to 2021, we have evaluated 100 unrelated SCD cases (71.0% males, age: 33.3 (12.8) years). Genetic testing was performed by next-generation sequencing utilizing a panel of 100 genes related to inherited cardiac/aortic conditions and/or whole exome sequencing. According to autopsy, cases were divided into cardiomyopathies, sudden arrhythmic death syndrome, sudden unexplained death syndrome, and sudden aortic death. We identified pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants following ACMG/AMP recommendations in 22/100 (22.0%) of cases. Since poor DNA quality, we have performed indirect DNA testing in affected relatives or in healthy parents reaching a diagnostic genetic yield of 11/24 (45.8%) and 1/10 (10.0%), respectively. Cardiological and genetic screening disclose 83/301 (27.6%) relatives at risk of SCD. Genetic testing in affected relatives as starting material leads to a high diagnostic yield offering a valuable alternative when suitable material is not available. This is the first multidisciplinary/multicenter molecular autopsy study in the Czech Republic which supports the establishment of this type of diagnostic tests. A central coordinator and proper communication among centers are crucial for the success of a collaboration at a national level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pavel Votýpka
- Department of Biology and Medical Genetics, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Motol University Hospital, V Úvalu 84, 150 06, Prague 5, Czech Republic.
| | - Alice Krebsová
- Department of Cardiology, Center for Inherited Cardiovascular Diseases, IKEM, Vídeňská, 1958/9, 140 21, Prague 4, Czech Republic.
| | - Patricia Norambuena-Poustková
- Department of Biology and Medical Genetics, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Motol University Hospital, V Úvalu 84, 150 06, Prague 5, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Peldová
- Department of Cardiology, Center for Inherited Cardiovascular Diseases, IKEM, Vídeňská, 1958/9, 140 21, Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Štěpánka Pohlová Kučerová
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Králové, Charles University and University Hospital Hradec Králové, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Markéta Kulvajtová
- Institute for Forensic Medicine, 3rd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Dohnalová
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Bulovka, Charles University, 2nd, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Matěj Bílek
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Bulovka, Charles University, 2nd, Prague, Czech Republic
- Institute of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Veronika Stufka
- Institute of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Kristina Rücklová
- Paediatric Department, 3rd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Iva Grossová
- Forensic Department of Military University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Hanka Wünschová
- Department of Biology and Medical Genetics, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Motol University Hospital, V Úvalu 84, 150 06, Prague 5, Czech Republic
| | - Terezia Tavačová
- Faculty of Medicine, Children's Heart Centre, Charles University and Motol University Hospital, 2nd, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Hašková
- Department of Biology and Medical Genetics, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Motol University Hospital, V Úvalu 84, 150 06, Prague 5, Czech Republic
| | - Markéta Segeťová
- Department of Biology and Medical Genetics, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Motol University Hospital, V Úvalu 84, 150 06, Prague 5, Czech Republic
| | - Jakub Štoček
- Department of Biology and Medical Genetics, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Motol University Hospital, V Úvalu 84, 150 06, Prague 5, Czech Republic
| | - Andrea Gřegořová
- Department of Biology and Medical Genetics, University Hospital Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Veronika Zoubková
- Department of Cardiology, Center for Inherited Cardiovascular Diseases, IKEM, Vídeňská, 1958/9, 140 21, Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Petřková
- 1st Department of Internal Medicine - Cardiology and Laboratory of Cardiogenomics, University Hospital Olomouc and Palacky University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
- Institute of Medical Genetics, University Hospital Olomouc and Palacky University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
- Institute of Pathological Physiology, University Hospital Olomouc and Palacky University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Dobiáš
- Institute of Forensic Science and Medical Law, University Hospital Olomouc and Palacký University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Makuša
- Forensic Department, Hospital České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Alžběta Blanková
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Liberec Regional Hospital, Liberec, Czech Republic
| | - David Vajtr
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Liberec Regional Hospital, Liberec, Czech Republic
| | - Hynek Řehulka
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ivan Šubrt
- Department of Medical Genetics, University Hospital Pilsen, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Alexander Pilin
- Institute of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Tomášek
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Bulovka, Charles University, 2nd, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Janoušek
- Faculty of Medicine, Children's Heart Centre, Charles University and Motol University Hospital, 2nd, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Josef Kautzner
- Department of Biology and Medical Genetics, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Motol University Hospital, V Úvalu 84, 150 06, Prague 5, Czech Republic
| | - Milan Macek
- Department of Cardiology, Center for Inherited Cardiovascular Diseases, IKEM, Vídeňská, 1958/9, 140 21, Prague 4, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Hata Y, Ichimata S, Yoshida K, Yamaguchi Y, Hirono K, Nishida N. Comprehensive pathological and genetic investigation of three young adult myotonic dystrophy type 1 patients with sudden unexpected death. J Neurol 2023; 270:5380-5391. [PMID: 37432518 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-11850-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The mechanism and pathological substrate of arrhythmogenic events in dystrophic myopathy type 1 (DM1) have not been fully established, especially for patients without progression of motor and/or cardiac disability. Therefore, we aimed to clarify the pathological appearance and genetic factors, other than CTG repeats in DMPK, associated with sudden cardiac death in patients with DM1. METHODS A pathological investigation including the cardiac conduction system in the heart and whole-exome sequencing was conducted for three young adults (Patient 1; 25-year-old female, Patient 2; 35-year-old female, Patient 3; 18-year-old male) with DM1 who suffered sudden death. RESULTS Only Patient 1 showed abnormal electrocardiogram findings before death. The pathological investigation showed severe fibrosis of the atrioventricular conduction system in Patient 1 and severe fatty infiltration in the right ventricle in Patient 2. Several minimal necrotic/inflammatory foci were found in both patients. Patient 3 showed no significant pathological findings. A genetic investigation showed CORIN_p.W813* and MYH2_p. R793* in Patient 1, KCNH2_p. V794D and PLEC_p. A4147T in Patient 2, and SCN5A_p.E428K and SCN3B_ p.V145L in Patient 3 as highly possible pathogenic variants. CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE The present study showed varied heart morphology in young adults with DM1 and sudden death. Synergistic effects of various genetic factors other than CTG repeats may increase the risk of sudden cardiac death in DM1 patients, even if signs of cardiac and skeletal muscle involvement are mild. Comprehensive genetic investigations, other than CTG repeat assessment, may be useful to estimate the risk of sudden cardiac death in DM1 patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yukiko Hata
- Department of Legal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan
| | - Shojiro Ichimata
- Department of Legal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, Krembil Discovery Tower, University of Toronto, 60 Leonard Ave, Toronto, ON, M5T 0S8, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology and Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Koji Yoshida
- Department of Legal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, Krembil Discovery Tower, University of Toronto, 60 Leonard Ave, Toronto, ON, M5T 0S8, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology and Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Yoshiaki Yamaguchi
- Department of Legal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan
- Department of Cardiology, Saiseikai Takaoka Hospital, 387-1 Futatsuka, Takaoka, Toyama, 933-8525, Japan
| | - Keiichi Hirono
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan
| | - Naoki Nishida
- Department of Legal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Turkgenc B, Baydar CL, Deniz I, Akcay A, Ergoren MC, Sag SO, Yakicier MC, Temel SG. From Death to Life/Back to the Future: Detailed Premorbid Clinical and Family History Can Save Lives and Address the Final Diagnosis in Sudden Unexplained Deaths With Negative Autopsy. Appl Immunohistochem Mol Morphol 2023; 31:690-696. [PMID: 37796154 DOI: 10.1097/pai.0000000000001163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Sudden cardiac death is a sudden, unexpected death developed by one of the many different causes of cardiac arrest that occur within 1 hour of the onset of new symptoms. Sudden unexplained death (SUD) comprises a normal heart at postmortem examination and negative toxicological analysis. SUD often arises from cardiac genetic disease, particularly channelopathies. Channelopathies, or inherited arrhythmia syndromes, are a group of disorders characterized by an increased risk of sudden cardiac death, abnormal cardiac electrical function, and, typically, a structurally normal heart. They share an underlying genetic etiology where disease-causing genetic variants may lead to the absence or dysfunction of proteins involved in the generation and propagation of the cardiac action potential. Our study aimed to evaluate the importance of next-generation sequencing in the postmortem investigations of SUD cases. In this study, 5 forensic SUD cases were investigated for inherited cardiac disorders. We screened a total of 68 cardiac genes for the sibling of case 1, as well as case 2, and 51 genes for cases 3, 4, and 5. Of the 12 variants identified, 2 likely pathogenic variants (16.7%) were the TMEM43 _ c.1000+2T>C splice site mutation and the SCN5A _ p.W703X nonsense mutation. The remaining 10 variants of uncertain significance were detected in the TRPM4 , RANGRF , A KAP9 , KCND3 , KCNE1 , DSG2 , CASQ1 , and SNTA1 genes. Irrespective of genetic testing, all SUD families require detailed clinical testing to identify relatives who may be at risk. Molecular autopsy and detailed premorbid clinical and family histories can survive family members of SUD cases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Cetin L Baydar
- Department of Mortuary, Ministry of Justice
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Suleyman Demirel University, Isparta
| | - Idris Deniz
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Dr. Burhan Nalbantoglu State Hospital, Nicosia
| | - Arzu Akcay
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Ministry of Justice, Council of Forensic Medicine
| | | | | | - Mustafa C Yakicier
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Acibadem University, Istanbul
| | - Sehime G Temel
- Department of Medical Genetics, Uludag University
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Foster J, Parsons S. Histiocytoid cardiomyopathy presenting as sudden death in an 18-month-old infant. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2023:10.1007/s12024-023-00730-2. [PMID: 37831311 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-023-00730-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Histiocytoid cardiomyopathy (HC) is an arrhythmogenic disorder, usually involving children under two years of age with a strong Caucasian and female predominance. The disease is fatal in the vast majority and diagnosis is nearly always established at autopsy, but this is only possible with adequate myocardial sampling. Meticulous gross and histological examination of the heart in collaboration with a cardiovascular-trained pathologist maximises the opportunity to make specific diagnoses (and therefore rule out the differentials of SIDS, SUDC and child abuse), guide genetic testing, and inform potentially life-saving medical interventions for blood relations. We present a typical HC case presenting as sudden death, without prodrome, in a previously healthy 18-month-old boy. The disease is characterised histologically by discrete groups of enlarged, polygonal histiocyte-like cells with distinct margins and abundant faintly eosinophilic foamy cytoplasm. Cells often contain coarse granules, microvacuoles and irregular, round nuclei. In our case, dysplastic fascicles were predominantly located immediately deep to the endocardium of the left ventricle. We report our own autopsy findings with histological images, and discuss the expected clinical, morphological and ultrastructural features of the disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Foster
- School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, UK.
| | - Sarah Parsons
- Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Arbelo E, Protonotarios A, Gimeno JR, Arbustini E, Barriales-Villa R, Basso C, Bezzina CR, Biagini E, Blom NA, de Boer RA, De Winter T, Elliott PM, Flather M, Garcia-Pavia P, Haugaa KH, Ingles J, Jurcut RO, Klaassen S, Limongelli G, Loeys B, Mogensen J, Olivotto I, Pantazis A, Sharma S, Van Tintelen JP, Ware JS, Kaski JP. 2023 ESC Guidelines for the management of cardiomyopathies. Eur Heart J 2023; 44:3503-3626. [PMID: 37622657 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehad194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 318] [Impact Index Per Article: 318.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
|
21
|
Marijon E, Narayanan K, Smith K, Barra S, Basso C, Blom MT, Crotti L, D'Avila A, Deo R, Dumas F, Dzudie A, Farrugia A, Greeley K, Hindricks G, Hua W, Ingles J, Iwami T, Junttila J, Koster RW, Le Polain De Waroux JB, Olasveengen TM, Ong MEH, Papadakis M, Sasson C, Shin SD, Tse HF, Tseng Z, Van Der Werf C, Folke F, Albert CM, Winkel BG. The Lancet Commission to reduce the global burden of sudden cardiac death: a call for multidisciplinary action. Lancet 2023; 402:883-936. [PMID: 37647926 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(23)00875-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Despite major advancements in cardiovascular medicine, sudden cardiac death (SCD) continues to be an enormous medical and societal challenge, claiming millions of lives every year. Efforts to prevent SCD are hampered by imperfect risk prediction and inadequate solutions to specifically address arrhythmogenesis. Although resuscitation strategies have witnessed substantial evolution, there is a need to strengthen the organisation of community interventions and emergency medical systems across varied locations and health-care structures. With all the technological and medical advances of the 21st century, the fact that survival from sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) remains lower than 10% in most parts of the world is unacceptable. Recognising this urgent need, the Lancet Commission on SCD was constituted, bringing together 30 international experts in varied disciplines. Consistent progress in tackling SCD will require a completely revamped approach to SCD prevention, with wide-sweeping policy changes that will empower the development of both governmental and community-based programmes to maximise survival from SCA, and to comprehensively attend to survivors and decedents' families after the event. International collaborative efforts that maximally leverage and connect the expertise of various research organisations will need to be prioritised to properly address identified gaps. The Commission places substantial emphasis on the need to develop a multidisciplinary strategy that encompasses all aspects of SCD prevention and treatment. The Commission provides a critical assessment of the current scientific efforts in the field, and puts forth key recommendations to challenge, activate, and intensify efforts by both the scientific and global community with new directions, research, and innovation to reduce the burden of SCD worldwide.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eloi Marijon
- Division of Cardiology, European Georges Pompidou Hospital, AP-HP, Paris, France; Université Paris Cité, Inserm, PARCC, Paris, France; Paris-Sudden Death Expertise Center (Paris-SDEC), Paris, France.
| | - Kumar Narayanan
- Université Paris Cité, Inserm, PARCC, Paris, France; Paris-Sudden Death Expertise Center (Paris-SDEC), Paris, France; Medicover Hospitals, Hyderabad, India
| | - Karen Smith
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Silverchain Group, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Sérgio Barra
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital da Luz Arrábida, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - Cristina Basso
- Cardiovascular Pathology Unit-Azienda Ospedaliera and Department of Cardiac Thoracic and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Marieke T Blom
- Department of General Practice, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Lia Crotti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy; Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Center for Cardiac Arrhythmias of Genetic Origin, Cardiomyopathy Unit and Laboratory of Cardiovascular Genetics, Department of Cardiology, Milan, Italy
| | - Andre D'Avila
- Department of Cardiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Cardiology, Hospital SOS Cardio, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Rajat Deo
- Department of Cardiology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Florence Dumas
- Université Paris Cité, Inserm, PARCC, Paris, France; Paris-Sudden Death Expertise Center (Paris-SDEC), Paris, France; Emergency Department, Cochin Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Anastase Dzudie
- Cardiology and Cardiac Arrhythmia Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, DoualaGeneral Hospital, Douala, Cameroon; Yaounde Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaounde 1, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Audrey Farrugia
- Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, France, Strasbourg, France
| | - Kaitlyn Greeley
- Division of Cardiology, European Georges Pompidou Hospital, AP-HP, Paris, France; Université Paris Cité, Inserm, PARCC, Paris, France; Paris-Sudden Death Expertise Center (Paris-SDEC), Paris, France
| | | | - Wei Hua
- Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, FuWai Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jodie Ingles
- Centre for Population Genomics, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Taku Iwami
- Kyoto University Health Service, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Juhani Junttila
- MRC Oulu, University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Rudolph W Koster
- Heart Center, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Theresa M Olasveengen
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Oslo University Hospital and Institute of Clinical Medicine, Oslo, Norway
| | - Marcus E H Ong
- Singapore General Hospital, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Michael Papadakis
- Cardiovascular Clinical Academic Group, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | | | - Sang Do Shin
- Department of Emergency Medicine at the Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hung-Fat Tse
- University of Hong Kong, School of Clinical Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Cardiac and Vascular Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zian Tseng
- Division of Cardiology, UCSF Health, University of California, San Francisco Medical Center, San Francisco, California
| | - Christian Van Der Werf
- University of Amsterdam, Heart Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Fredrik Folke
- Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Herlev and Gentofte, Herlev, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christine M Albert
- Department of Cardiology, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Bo Gregers Winkel
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Duryagina R, Richter S, Ebert M. Legal aspects of genetic testing in the evaluation of ventricular tachycardias. Herzschrittmacherther Elektrophysiol 2023; 34:205-211. [PMID: 37524841 DOI: 10.1007/s00399-023-00948-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
There is increasing knowledge of the genetic basis of distinct cardiac pathologies that are related to ventricular tachyarrhythmias (VT) and sudden cardiac death (SCD). The identification of genes responsible for inherited cardiac diseases has led to the organization of cardiogenetic consultations in many countries worldwide. The 2022 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines for the management of patients with ventricular arrhythmias and the prevention of SCD and the international 2022 Expert Consensus Statement on the state of genetic testing for cardiac diseases emphasize the importance of genetic testing in cardiology practice along with appropriate information provision to affected individuals and their relatives. However, the context of genetic examination raises particular ethical, practical (including economic or financial), and legal challenges. This review aims to elucidate practical considerations related to legal aspects relevant for the evaluation of patients presenting with VT in Germany.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Regina Duryagina
- Division of Electrophysiology, Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiology, Heart Center Dresden, University Hospital, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstr. 76, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Sergio Richter
- Division of Electrophysiology, Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiology, Heart Center Dresden, University Hospital, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstr. 76, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Micaela Ebert
- Division of Electrophysiology, Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiology, Heart Center Dresden, University Hospital, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstr. 76, 01307, Dresden, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Tfelt-Hansen J, Garcia R, Albert C, Merino J, Krahn A, Marijon E, Basso C, Wilde AAM, Haugaa KH. Risk stratification of sudden cardiac death: a review. Europace 2023; 25:euad203. [PMID: 37622576 PMCID: PMC10450787 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euad203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is responsible for several millions of deaths every year and remains a major health problem. To reduce this burden, diagnosing and identification of high-risk individuals and disease-specific risk stratification are essential. Treatment strategies include treatment of the underlying disease with lifestyle advice and drugs and decisions to implant a primary prevention implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) and perform ablation of the ventricles and novel treatment modalities such as left cardiac sympathetic denervation in rare specific primary electric diseases such as long QT syndrome and catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia. This review summarizes the current knowledge on SCD risk according to underlying heart disease and discusses the future of SCD prevention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Tfelt-Hansen
- Cardiology Department, Copenhagen University Hospital-Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark
- Section of Forensic Genetics, Department of Forensic Medicine, Copenhagen University, Frederik V’s Vej 11, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark
| | - Rodrigue Garcia
- Cardiology Department, University Hospital of Poitiers, 2 rue de la Milétrie, Poitiers 86000, France
- Centre d'Investigation Clinique 1402, University Hospital of Poitiers, 2 rue de la Milétrie, Poitiers 86000, France
| | - Christine Albert
- Cardiology Department, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Hospital, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jose Merino
- Department of Cardiology, La Paz University Hospital, IdiPaz, P. Castellana, 261, Madrid 28046, Spain
- Department of Cardiology, Viamed Santa Elena University Hospital, C/La Granja, 8, Madrid 28003, Spain
| | - Andrew Krahn
- Centre for Cardiovascular Innovation, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Eloi Marijon
- Cardiology Department, European Georges Pompidou Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Cristina Basso
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, Padova 35121, Italy
| | - Arthur A M Wilde
- Department of Cardiology, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Failure and Arrhythmias, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kristina Hermann Haugaa
- ProCardio Center for Innovation, Department of Cardiology, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Papadopoulou E, Bouzarelou D, Tsaousis G, Papathanasiou A, Vogiatzi G, Vlachopoulos C, Miliou A, Papachristou P, Prappa E, Servos G, Ritsatos K, Seretis A, Frogoudaki A, Nasioulas G. Application of next generation sequencing in cardiology: current and future precision medicine implications. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1202381. [PMID: 37424920 PMCID: PMC10327645 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1202381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Inherited cardiovascular diseases are highly heterogeneous conditions with multiple genetic loci involved. The application of advanced molecular tools, such as Next Generation Sequencing, has facilitated the genetic analysis of these disorders. Accurate analysis and variant identification are required to maximize the quality of the sequencing data. Therefore, the application of NGS for clinical purposes should be limited to laboratories with a high level of technological expertise and resources. In addition, appropriate gene selection and variant interpretation can result in the highest possible diagnostic yield. Implementation of genetics in cardiology is imperative for the accurate diagnosis, prognosis and management of several inherited disorders and could eventually lead to the realization of precision medicine in this field. However, genetic testing should also be accompanied by an appropriate genetic counseling procedure that clarifies the significance of the genetic analysis results for the proband and his family. In this regard, a multidisciplinary collaboration among physicians, geneticists, and bioinformaticians is imperative. In the present review, we address the current state of knowledge regarding genetic analysis strategies employed in the field of cardiogenetics. Variant interpretation and reporting guidelines are explored. Additionally, gene selection procedures are accessed, with a particular emphasis on information concerning gene-disease associations collected from international alliances such as the Gene Curation Coalition (GenCC). In this context, a novel approach to gene categorization is proposed. Moreover, a sub-analysis is conducted on the 1,502,769 variation records with submitted interpretations in the Clinical Variation (ClinVar) database, focusing on cardiology-related genes. Finally, the most recent information on genetic analysis's clinical utility is reviewed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Georgia Vogiatzi
- Third Department of Cardiology, Sotiria Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Charalambos Vlachopoulos
- Unit of Inherited Cardiac Conditions and Sports Cardiology, First Department of Cardiology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Antigoni Miliou
- Unit of Inherited Cardiac Conditions and Sports Cardiology, First Department of Cardiology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Efstathia Prappa
- Second Department of Cardiology, Arrhythmia Unit, Evangelismos General Hospital of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Servos
- Pediatric Cardiology Unit, “P. & A. Kyriakou” Children’s Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Ritsatos
- Unit of Inherited and Rare Cardiovascular Diseases, Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center, Athens, Greece
| | - Aristeidis Seretis
- Unit of Inherited and Rare Cardiovascular Diseases, Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center, Athens, Greece
| | - Alexandra Frogoudaki
- Second Department of Cardiology, Attikon University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
McLeod EV, Walsh JC, Haigney MC, Franzos MA, Hellwig LD. Exertional-Related Sudden Cardiac Death in a Young, Presumed Healthy, and Medically Screened Population: A Military Case Series. Am J Forensic Med Pathol 2023:00000433-990000000-00071. [PMID: 37093871 DOI: 10.1097/paf.0000000000000830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is defined as death from cardiac causes with loss of consciousness occurring within 1 hour of a change in cardiovascular status. As subset, SCD associated with physical exertion (SCD/E) can be defined as a cardiac event whose symptoms start during or within 1 hour of physical exertion. The US military represents a unique opportunity for studying SCD/E because of medical screening at recruitment, mandatory physical training, an active surveillance system, and centralized autopsy services. Because of medical screening, recruits are presumed healthy, but significant conditions can go undetected. We present 4 diverse cases of SCD/E in the military setting. Sudden cardiac death associated with physical exertion is often the first indication of a serious occult cardiac pathology. Postmortem genetic testing revealed a causative pathogenic mutation in 1 of 4 cases, enabling genetic testing of family members to prevent similar catastrophic loss of life, underscoring the importance of postmortem evaluation including genetic testing. Further investigations will help direct screening and prevention to capture those at risk for SCD. The cases presented in this series are a sample of the diverse etiologies and contexts surrounding SCD/E in the military setting that have been captured by Armed Forces Medical Examiner System.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth V McLeod
- From the National Capital Consortium, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD
| | - John C Walsh
- Forensic Pathology Investigations, Armed Forces Medical Examiner System, Dover, DE
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Genetically determined cardiomyopathies at autopsy: the pivotal role of the pathologist in establishing the diagnosis and guiding family screening. Virchows Arch 2023; 482:653-669. [PMID: 36897369 PMCID: PMC10067659 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-023-03523-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
Cardiomyopathies (CMP) comprise a heterogenous group of diseases affecting primarily the myocardium, either genetic and/or acquired in origin. While many classification systems have been proposed in the clinical setting, there is no internationally agreed pathological consensus concerning the diagnostic approach to inherited CMP at autopsy. A document on autopsy diagnosis of CMP is needed because the complexity of the pathologic backgrounds requires proper insight and expertise. In cases presenting with cardiac hypertrophy and/or dilatation/scarring with normal coronary arteries, a suspicion of inherited CMP must be considered, and a histological examination is essential. Establishing the actual cause of the disease may require a number of tissue-based and/or fluid-based investigations, be it histological, ultrastructural, or molecular. A history of illicit drug use must be looked for. Sudden death is frequently the first manifestation of disease in case of CMP, especially in the young. Also, during routine clinical or forensic autopsies, a suspicion of CMP may arise based on clinical data or pathological findings at autopsy. It is thus a challenge to make a diagnosis of a CMP at autopsy. The pathology report should provide the relevant data and a cardiac diagnosis which can help the family in furthering investigations, including genetic testing in case of genetic forms of CMP. With the explosion in molecular testing and the concept of the molecular autopsy, the pathologist should use strict criteria in the diagnosis of CMP, and helpful for clinical geneticists and cardiologists who advise the family as to the possibility of a genetic disease.
Collapse
|
27
|
From collected stamps to hair locks: ethical and legal implications of testing DNA found on privately owned family artifacts. Hum Genet 2023; 142:331-341. [PMID: 36456648 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-022-02508-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Biological samples containing DNA that is attributed to deceased relatives, can now undergo genetic testing at a reasonable cost due to revolutionary improvements in sampling, sequencing, and analytical techniques. This artifact DNA testing, or 'artDNA', includes genetic analysis of hair locks, stamps, envelopes with saliva traces or teeth. ArtDNA can reveal valuable information about a deceased relative or one's genetic background, but it also presents novel ethical dilemmas and legal uncertainties for genetic researchers and commercial testing services. In this paper, we provide an analysis of some of the unique ethical and legal risks of such testing and provide needed recommendations for practitioners of private family artDNA testing. ArtDNA testing generates ethical and legal risks regarding the privacy and autonomy of deceased individuals, the rights of living relatives over their ancestor's genetic information, and the rights of living persons to control their own genetic information. To mitigate these risks, practitioners can conduct certain preliminary testing to ascertain the identity of a DNA donor and estimate the time that has elapsed postmortem. Generally, the ethical and legal concerns will be higher when a shorter period has passed between the death of the DNA donor and the time of artifact DNA testing. Regardless, all artDNA testing present some risks, and practitioners should exercise professional judgement as necessary.
Collapse
|
28
|
Kelly KL, Lin PT, Basso C, Bois M, Buja LM, Cohle SD, d'Amati G, Duncanson E, Fallon JT, Firchau D, Fishbein G, Giordano C, Leduc C, Litovsky SH, Mackey-Bojack S, Maleszewski JJ, Michaud K, Padera RF, Papadodima SA, Parsons S, Radio SJ, Rizzo S, Roe SJ, Romero M, Sheppard MN, Stone JR, Tan CD, Thiene G, van der Wal AC, Veinot JP. Sudden cardiac death in the young: A consensus statement on recommended practices for cardiac examination by pathologists from the Society for Cardiovascular Pathology. Cardiovasc Pathol 2023; 63:107497. [PMID: 36375720 DOI: 10.1016/j.carpath.2022.107497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sudden cardiac death is, by definition, an unexpected, untimely death caused by a cardiac condition in a person with known or unknown heart disease. This major international public health problem accounts for approximately 15-20% of all deaths. Typically more common in older adults with acquired heart disease, SCD also can occur in the young where the cause is more likely to be a genetically transmitted process. As these inherited disease processes can affect multiple family members, it is critical that these deaths are appropriately and thoroughly investigated. Across the United States, SCD cases in those less than 40 years of age will often fall under medical examiner/coroner jurisdiction resulting in scene investigation, review of available medical records and a complete autopsy including toxicological and histological studies. To date, there have not been consistent or uniform guidelines for cardiac examination in these cases. In addition, many medical examiner/coroner offices are understaffed and/or underfunded, both of which may hamper specialized examinations or studies (e.g., molecular testing). Use of such guidelines by pathologists in cases of SCD in decedents aged 1-39 years of age could result in life-saving medical intervention for other family members. These recommendations also may provide support for underfunded offices to argue for the significance of this specialized testing. As cardiac examinations in the setting of SCD in the young fall under ME/C jurisdiction, this consensus paper has been developed with members of the Society of Cardiovascular Pathology working with cardiovascular pathology-trained, practicing forensic pathologists.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Cristina Basso
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health - University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Emily Duncanson
- Jesse E. Edwards Registry of Cardiovascular Disease, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Katarzyna Michaud
- University Center of Legal Medicine Lausanne - Geneva, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Sarah Parsons
- Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Stefania Rizzo
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health - University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | | | | | - Mary N Sheppard
- St. George's Medical School, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Gaetano Thiene
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health - University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
(Postmortem genetic testing in sudden cardiac death victims and genetic screening of relatives at risk in the Czech Republic). COR ET VASA 2023. [DOI: 10.33678/cor.2022.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
|
30
|
Martínez-Barrios E, Grassi S, Brión M, Toro R, Cesar S, Cruzalegui J, Coll M, Alcalde M, Brugada R, Greco A, Ortega-Sánchez ML, Barberia E, Oliva A, Sarquella-Brugada G, Campuzano O. Molecular autopsy: Twenty years of post-mortem diagnosis in sudden cardiac death. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1118585. [PMID: 36844202 PMCID: PMC9950119 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1118585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
In the forensic medicine field, molecular autopsy is the post-mortem genetic analysis performed to attempt to unravel the cause of decease in cases remaining unexplained after a comprehensive forensic autopsy. This negative autopsy, classified as negative or non-conclusive, usually occurs in young population. In these cases, in which the cause of death is unascertained after a thorough autopsy, an underlying inherited arrhythmogenic syndrome is the main suspected cause of death. Next-generation sequencing allows a rapid and cost-effectives genetic analysis, identifying a rare variant classified as potentially pathogenic in up to 25% of sudden death cases in young population. The first symptom of an inherited arrhythmogenic disease may be a malignant arrhythmia, and even sudden death. Early identification of a pathogenic genetic alteration associated with an inherited arrhythmogenic syndrome may help to adopt preventive personalized measures to reduce risk of malignant arrhythmias and sudden death in the victim's relatives, at risk despite being asymptomatic. The current main challenge is a proper genetic interpretation of variants identified and useful clinical translation. The implications of this personalized translational medicine are multifaceted, requiring the dedication of a specialized team, including forensic scientists, pathologists, cardiologists, pediatric cardiologists, and geneticists.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Estefanía Martínez-Barrios
- Pediatric Arrhythmias, Inherited Cardiac Diseases and Sudden Death Unit, Cardiology Department, Sant Joan de Déu Hospital de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain,European Reference Network for Rare, Low Prevalence and Complex Diseases of the Heart, Amsterdam, Netherlands,Arrítmies Pediàtriques, Cardiologia Genètica i Mort Sobtada, Malalties Cardiovasculars en el Desenvolupament, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Simone Grassi
- Forensic Medical Sciences, Department of Health Science, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - María Brión
- Family Heart Disease Unit, Cardiology Service, Santiago de Compostela University Hospital, Santiago de Compostela, Spain,Cardiovascular Genetics, Santiago de Compostela Health Research Institute, Santiago de Compostela, Spain,Genomic Medicine Group, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Cardiovasculares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rocío Toro
- Medicine Department, School of Medicine, University of Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Sergi Cesar
- Pediatric Arrhythmias, Inherited Cardiac Diseases and Sudden Death Unit, Cardiology Department, Sant Joan de Déu Hospital de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain,European Reference Network for Rare, Low Prevalence and Complex Diseases of the Heart, Amsterdam, Netherlands,Arrítmies Pediàtriques, Cardiologia Genètica i Mort Sobtada, Malalties Cardiovasculars en el Desenvolupament, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - José Cruzalegui
- Pediatric Arrhythmias, Inherited Cardiac Diseases and Sudden Death Unit, Cardiology Department, Sant Joan de Déu Hospital de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain,European Reference Network for Rare, Low Prevalence and Complex Diseases of the Heart, Amsterdam, Netherlands,Arrítmies Pediàtriques, Cardiologia Genètica i Mort Sobtada, Malalties Cardiovasculars en el Desenvolupament, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mònica Coll
- Medical Science Department, School of Medicine, University of Girona, Girona, Spain,Cardiovascular Genetics Center, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques de Girona (IDIBGI), University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Mireia Alcalde
- Medical Science Department, School of Medicine, University of Girona, Girona, Spain,Cardiovascular Genetics Center, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques de Girona (IDIBGI), University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Ramon Brugada
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Cardiovasculares, Madrid, Spain,Medical Science Department, School of Medicine, University of Girona, Girona, Spain,Cardiovascular Genetics Center, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques de Girona (IDIBGI), University of Girona, Girona, Spain,Cardiology Department, Hospital Josep Trueta, Girona, Spain
| | - Andrea Greco
- Arrítmies Pediàtriques, Cardiologia Genètica i Mort Sobtada, Malalties Cardiovasculars en el Desenvolupament, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain,Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences of the Mother, Children and Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - María Luisa Ortega-Sánchez
- Forensic Pathology Department, Institut de Medicina Legal i Ciències Forenses de Catalunya (IMLCFC), Barcelona, Spain,School of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallés, Spain
| | - Eneko Barberia
- Forensic Pathology Department, Institut de Medicina Legal i Ciències Forenses de Catalunya (IMLCFC), Barcelona, Spain,School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain
| | - Antonio Oliva
- Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Health Surveillance and Bioethics, Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Georgia Sarquella-Brugada
- Pediatric Arrhythmias, Inherited Cardiac Diseases and Sudden Death Unit, Cardiology Department, Sant Joan de Déu Hospital de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain,European Reference Network for Rare, Low Prevalence and Complex Diseases of the Heart, Amsterdam, Netherlands,Arrítmies Pediàtriques, Cardiologia Genètica i Mort Sobtada, Malalties Cardiovasculars en el Desenvolupament, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain,Medical Science Department, School of Medicine, University of Girona, Girona, Spain,*Correspondence: Georgia Sarquella-Brugada,
| | - Oscar Campuzano
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Cardiovasculares, Madrid, Spain,Medical Science Department, School of Medicine, University of Girona, Girona, Spain,Cardiovascular Genetics Center, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques de Girona (IDIBGI), University of Girona, Girona, Spain,Oscar Campuzano,
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Abbas R, Abbas A, Khan TK, Sharjeel S, Amanullah K, Irshad Y. Sudden Cardiac Death in Young Individuals: A Current Review of Evaluation, Screening and Prevention. J Clin Med Res 2023; 15:1-9. [PMID: 36755763 PMCID: PMC9881489 DOI: 10.14740/jocmr4823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Sudden cardiac death (SCD) can affect all age groups, including young persons. While less common in the age < 35 population, the occurrence of SCD in the young raises concern, with multiple possible etiologies and often unanswered questions. While coronary artery disease is the leading cause in those > 35 years of age, the younger population faces a different subset of pathologies associated with SCD, including arrhythmias and cardiomyopathies. The tragic nature of SCD in the young entails that we explore and implement available screening methods for this population, and perform the necessary investigations such as electrocardiography (ECG) and echocardiography. In this review, we not only explore the vast etiology associated with SCD in those age < 35, but emphasize evaluation methods, who is at risk, and delve into screening of SCD in potential victims and their family members, in an attempt to prevent this traumatic event. Future research must work towards establishing preventative measures in order to reduce SCD, particularly unexplained SCD in the young.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ramsha Abbas
- Institute of Molecular Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA,Corresponding Author: Ramsha Abbas, Institute of Molecular Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA.
| | - Aiza Abbas
- Medical College, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
| | - Talha Kamran Khan
- Shifa College of Medicine, Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Salal Sharjeel
- Dow Medical College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
| | - Khadija Amanullah
- Medical College, National University of Medical Sciences, Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Yusra Irshad
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Budowle B, Sajantila A. Revisiting informed consent in forensic genomics in light of current technologies and the times. Int J Legal Med 2023; 137:551-565. [PMID: 36642749 PMCID: PMC9902322 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-023-02947-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Informed consent is based on basic ethical principles that should be considered when conducting biomedical and behavioral research involving human subjects. These principles-respect, beneficence, and justice-form the foundations of informed consent which in itself is grounded on three fundamental elements: information, comprehension, and voluntary participation. While informed consent has focused on human subjects and research, the practice has been adopted willingly in the forensic science arena primarily to acquire reference samples from family members to assist in identifying missing persons. With advances in molecular biology technologies, data mining, and access to metadata, it is important to assess whether the past informed consent process and in particular associated risks are concomitant with these increased capabilities. Given the state-of-the-art, areas in which informed consent may need to be modified and augmented are as follows: reference samples from family members in missing persons or unidentified human remains cases; targeted analysis of an individual(s) during forensic genetic genealogy cases to reduce an investigative burden; donors who provide their samples for validation studies (to include population studies and entry into databases that would be applied to forensic statistical calculations) to support implementation of procedures and operations of the forensic laboratory; family members that may contribute samples or obtain genetic information from a molecular autopsy; and use of medical and other acquired samples that could be informative for identification purposes. The informed consent process should cover (1) purpose for collection of samples; (2) process to analyze the samples (to include type of data); (3) benefits (to donor, target, family, community, etc. as applicable); (4) risks (to donor, target, family, community, etc. as applicable); (5) access to data/reports by the donor; (6) sample disposition; (7) removal of data process (i.e., expungement); (8) process to ask questions/assessment of comprehension; (9) follow-up processes; and (10) voluntary, signed, and dated consent. Issues surrounding these topics are discussed with an emphasis on addressing risk factors. Addressing informed consent will allow human subjects to make decisions voluntarily and with autonomy as well as secure the use of samples for intended use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bruce Budowle
- Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Antti Sajantila
- Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Forensic Medicine Unit, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Koike K, Nishigaki M, Wada T, Kosugi S. Implementation of Molecular Autopsy for Sudden Cardiac Death in Japan - Focus Group Study of Stakeholders. Circ J 2022; 87:123-129. [PMID: 36372399 DOI: 10.1253/circj.cj-22-0265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We assessed the awareness of multidisciplinary healthcare professionals of the challenges related to implementation of molecular autopsy (MA) for sudden cardiac death (SCD) among children and young adults.Methods and Results: We conducted 11 focus groups with 31 multidisciplinary healthcare professionals, and categorized them into 2 themes: values, and challenges of MA implementation. The participants recognized 2 different values of MA: discovering the unknown cause of SCD, and SCD prevention among family members of victims. The coexistence of these values makes the MA process and role of professionals more complex. Participants were concerned about the psychological burden for bereaved family members and mentioned challenges in each process of the MA delivery system: obtaining consent, cause of death investigation, disclosing results, and preventive intervention. CONCLUSIONS MA is a valuable procedure both in terms of forensic and preventive medicine. However, the dual meanings and complex characteristics of genetic information is a potential source of concern and confusion among healthcare professionals as well as bereaved family members. Increasing awareness among healthcare professionals of the MA process is essential for connecting all related areas of expertise.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kanako Koike
- Department of Medical Genetics, International University of Health and Welfare Graduate School.,Department of Medical Ethics and Medical Genetics, Kyoto University School of Public Health.,Department of Medical Genetics, Sakakibara Heart Institute
| | - Masakazu Nishigaki
- Department of Medical Genetics, International University of Health and Welfare Graduate School
| | - Takahito Wada
- Department of Genomic Medicine, Kyoto University School of Public Health
| | - Shinji Kosugi
- Department of Medical Ethics and Medical Genetics, Kyoto University School of Public Health
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Girolami F, Spinelli V, Maurizi N, Focardi M, Nesi G, Maio V, Grifoni R, Albora G, Bertaccini B, Targetti M, Coppini R, Favilli S, Olivotto I, Cerbai E. Genetic characterization of juvenile sudden cardiac arrest and death in Tuscany: The ToRSADE registry. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:1080608. [PMID: 36588553 PMCID: PMC9795053 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.1080608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in young people represents a dramatic event, often leading to severe neurologic outcomes or sudden cardiac death (SCD), and is frequently caused by genetic heart diseases. In this study, we report the results of the Tuscany registry of sudden cardiac death (ToRSADE) registry, aimed at monitoring the incidence and investigating the genetic basis of SCA and SCD occurring in subjects < 50 years of age in Tuscany, Italy. Methods and results Creation of the ToRSADE registry allowed implementation of a repository for clinical, molecular and genetic data. For 22 patients, in whom a genetic substrate was documented or suspected, blood samples could be analyzed; 14 were collected at autopsy and 8 from resuscitated patients after SCA. Next generation sequencing (NGS) analysis revealed likely pathogenetic (LP) variants associated with cardiomyopathy (CM) or channelopathy in four patients (19%), while 17 (81%) carried variants of uncertain significance in relevant genes (VUS). In only one patient NGS confirmed the diagnosis obtained during autopsy: the p.(Asn480Lysfs*20) PKP2 mutation in a patient with arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (AC). Conclusion Systematic genetic screening allowed identification of LP variants in 19% of consecutive patients with SCA/SCD, including subjects carrying variants associated with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) or AC who had SCA/SCD in the absence of structural cardiomyopathy phenotype. Genetic analysis combined with clinical information in survived patients and post-mortem evaluation represent an essential multi-disciplinary approach to manage juvenile SCD and SCA, key to providing appropriate medical and genetic assistance to families, and advancing knowledge on the basis of arrhythmogenic mechanisms in inherited cardiomyopathies and channelopathies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Girolami
- Cardiology Unit, Meyer Children’s University Hospital, Florence, Italy,*Correspondence: Francesca Girolami,
| | - Valentina Spinelli
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Martina Focardi
- Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy,Forensic Medical Sciences, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Gabriella Nesi
- Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy,Division of Pathological Anatomy, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Vincenza Maio
- Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy,Division of Pathological Anatomy, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Rossella Grifoni
- Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy,Forensic Medical Sciences, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Bruno Bertaccini
- Department of Statistics, Computer Science, Applications, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Raffaele Coppini
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Silvia Favilli
- Cardiology Unit, Meyer Children’s University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Iacopo Olivotto
- Cardiology Unit, Meyer Children’s University Hospital, Florence, Italy,Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Cerbai
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Isbister JC, Nowak N, Yeates L, Singer ES, Sy RW, Ingles J, Raju H, Bagnall RD, Semsarian C. Concealed Cardiomyopathy in Autopsy-Inconclusive Cases of Sudden Cardiac Death and Implications for Families. J Am Coll Cardiol 2022; 80:2057-2068. [PMID: 36423990 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2022.09.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genetic testing following sudden cardiac death (SCD) is currently guided by autopsy findings, despite the inherent challenges of autopsy examination and mounting evidence that malignant arrhythmia may occur before structural changes in inherited cardiomyopathy, so-called "concealed cardiomyopathy" (CCM). OBJECTIVES The authors sought to identify the spectrum of genes implicated in autopsy-inconclusive SCD and describe the impact of identifying CCM on the ongoing care of SCD families. METHODS Using a standardized framework for adjudication, autopsy-inconclusive SCD cases were identified as having a structurally normal heart or subdiagnostic findings of uncertain significance on autopsy. Genetic variants were classified for pathogenicity using the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics guidelines. Family follow-up was performed where possible. RESULTS Twenty disease-causing variants were identified among 91 autopsy-inconclusive SCD cases (mean age 25.4 ± 10.7 years) with a similar rate regardless of the presence or absence of subdiagnostic findings (25.5% vs 18.2%; P = 0.398). Cardiomyopathy-associated genes harbored 70% of clinically actionable variants and were overrepresented in cases with subdiagnostic structural changes at autopsy (79% vs 21%; P = 0.038). Six of the 20 disease-causing variants identified were in genes implicated in arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy. Nearly two-thirds of genotype-positive relatives had an observable phenotype either at initial assessment or subsequent follow-up, and 27 genotype-negative first-degree relatives were released from ongoing screening. CONCLUSIONS Phenotype-directed genetic testing following SCD risks under recognition of CCM. Comprehensive evaluation of the decedent should include assessment of genes implicated in cardiomyopathy in addition to primary arrhythmias to improve diagnosis of CCM and optimize care for families.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia C Isbister
- Agnes Ginges Centre for Molecular Cardiology at Centenary Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Department of Cardiology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Natalie Nowak
- Agnes Ginges Centre for Molecular Cardiology at Centenary Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Department of Cardiology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Laura Yeates
- Agnes Ginges Centre for Molecular Cardiology at Centenary Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Department of Cardiology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Centre for Population Genomics, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, and UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Centre for Population Genomics, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Emma S Singer
- Agnes Ginges Centre for Molecular Cardiology at Centenary Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Raymond W Sy
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Department of Cardiology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jodie Ingles
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Department of Cardiology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Centre for Population Genomics, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, and UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Centre for Population Genomics, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Hariharan Raju
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Richard D Bagnall
- Agnes Ginges Centre for Molecular Cardiology at Centenary Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Christopher Semsarian
- Agnes Ginges Centre for Molecular Cardiology at Centenary Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Department of Cardiology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Zeppenfeld K, Tfelt-Hansen J, de Riva M, Winkel BG, Behr ER, Blom NA, Charron P, Corrado D, Dagres N, de Chillou C, Eckardt L, Friede T, Haugaa KH, Hocini M, Lambiase PD, Marijon E, Merino JL, Peichl P, Priori SG, Reichlin T, Schulz-Menger J, Sticherling C, Tzeis S, Verstrael A, Volterrani M. 2022 ESC Guidelines for the management of patients with ventricular arrhythmias and the prevention of sudden cardiac death. Eur Heart J 2022; 43:3997-4126. [PMID: 36017572 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehac262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 822] [Impact Index Per Article: 411.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
|
37
|
Eosinophilic Infiltration of the Sino-Atrial Node in Sudden Cardiac Death Caused by Long QT Syndrome. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911666. [PMID: 36232963 PMCID: PMC9569895 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Sudden death is defined as the unexpected death of a healthy person that occurs within the first hour of the onset of symptoms or within 24 h of the victim being last seen alive. In some of these cases, rare deleterious variants of genes associated with inherited cardiac disorders can provide a highly probable explanation for the fatal event. We report the case of a 21-year-old obese woman who lost consciousness suddenly in a public place and was pronounced dead after hospital admission. Clinical autopsy showed an inconclusive gross examination, while in the histopathological analysis an eosinophilic inflammatory focus and interstitial fibrosis in the sino-atrial node were found. Molecular autopsy revealed an intronic variant in the KCNQ1 gene (c.683 + 5G > A), classified as likely pathogenic for long QT syndrome according to the guidelines provided by the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics. Therefore, there were many anomalies that could have played a role in the causation of the sudden death, such as the extreme obesity, the cardiac anomalies and the KNCQ1 variant. This case depicts the difficult interpretation of rare cardiac structural abnormalities in subjects carrying rare variants responsible for inherited arrhythmic disorders and the challenge for the forensic pathologist to make causal inferences in the determinism of the unexpected decease.
Collapse
|
38
|
Wilde AAM, Semsarian C, Márquez MF, Shamloo AS, Ackerman MJ, Ashley EA, Sternick EB, Barajas-Martinez H, Behr ER, Bezzina CR, Breckpot J, Charron P, Chockalingam P, Crotti L, Gollob MH, Lubitz S, Makita N, Ohno S, Ortiz-Genga M, Sacilotto L, Schulze-Bahr E, Shimizu W, Sotoodehnia N, Tadros R, Ware JS, Winlaw DS, Kaufman ES. European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA)/Heart Rhythm Society (HRS)/Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society (APHRS)/Latin American Heart Rhythm Society (LAHRS) Expert Consensus Statement on the state of genetic testing for cardiac diseases. Europace 2022; 24:1307-1367. [PMID: 35373836 PMCID: PMC9435643 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euac030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 61.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Arthur A M Wilde
- Heart Centre, Department of Cardiology, Amsterdam Universitair Medische
Centra, Amsterdam, location AMC, The Netherlands
| | - Christopher Semsarian
- Agnes Ginges Centre for Molecular Cardiology at Centenary Institute,
University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Manlio F Márquez
- Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez, Ciudad de
México, Mexico
- Member of the Latin American Heart Rhythm Society (LAHRS)
| | | | - Michael J Ackerman
- Departments of Cardiovascular Medicine, Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine,
and Molecular Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics; Divisions of Heart Rhythm
Services and Pediatric Cardiology; Windland Smith Rice Genetic Heart Rhythm Clinic and
Windland Smith Rice Sudden Death Genomics Laboratory, Mayo
Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Euan A Ashley
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University,
Stanford, California, USA
| | - Eduardo Back Sternick
- Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology Unit, Biocor Institute,
Minas Gerais, Brazil; and
Member of the Latin American Heart Rhythm Society (LAHRS)
| | - Héctor Barajas-Martinez
- Cardiovascular Research, Lankenau Institute of Medical
Research, Wynnewood, PA, USA; and Member of the Latin American Heart Rhythm Society (LAHRS)
| | - Elijah R Behr
- Cardiovascular Clinical Academic Group, Institute of Molecular and Clinical
Sciences, St. George’s, University of London; St. George’s University Hospitals NHS
Foundation Trust, London, UK; Mayo Clinic Healthcare, London
| | - Connie R Bezzina
- Amsterdam UMC Heart Center, Department of Experimental
Cardiology, Amsterdam, The
Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Breckpot
- Center for Human Genetics, University Hospitals Leuven,
Leuven, Belgium
| | - Philippe Charron
- Sorbonne Université, APHP, Centre de Référence des Maladies Cardiaques
Héréditaires, ICAN, Inserm UMR1166, Hôpital
Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | | | - Lia Crotti
- Center for Cardiac Arrhythmias of Genetic Origin,
Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Cardiomyopathy Unit and Cardiac Rehabilitation Unit, San Luca Hospital,
Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan,
Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of
Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Michael H Gollob
- Inherited Arrhythmia and Cardiomyopathy Program, Division of Cardiology,
University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Steven Lubitz
- Cardiac Arrhythmia Service, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard
Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Naomasa Makita
- National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Research
Institute, Suita, Japan
| | - Seiko Ohno
- Department of Bioscience and Genetics, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular
Center, Suita, Japan
| | - Martín Ortiz-Genga
- Clinical Department, Health in Code, A
Coruña, Spain; and Member of the Latin
American Heart Rhythm Society (LAHRS)
| | - Luciana Sacilotto
- Arrhythmia Unit, Instituto do Coracao, Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP,
Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao
Paulo, Brazil; and Member of the Latin
American Heart Rhythm Society (LAHRS)
| | - Eric Schulze-Bahr
- Institute for Genetics of Heart Diseases, University Hospital
Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Wataru Shimizu
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Nippon
Medical School, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nona Sotoodehnia
- Cardiovascular Health Research Unit, Division of Cardiology, Department of
Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA,
USA
| | - Rafik Tadros
- Cardiovascular Genetics Center, Department of Medicine, Montreal Heart
Institute, Université de Montréal, Montreal,
Canada
| | - James S Ware
- National Heart and Lung Institute and MRC London Institute of Medical
Sciences, Imperial College London, London,
UK
- Royal Brompton & Harefield Hospitals, Guy’s
and St. Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - David S Winlaw
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Centre, University of
Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Elizabeth S Kaufman
- Metrohealth Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University,
Cleveland, OH, USA
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Wilde AAM, Semsarian C, Márquez MF, Sepehri Shamloo A, Ackerman MJ, Ashley EA, Sternick Eduardo B, Barajas‐Martinez H, Behr ER, Bezzina CR, Breckpot J, Charron P, Chockalingam P, Crotti L, Gollob MH, Lubitz S, Makita N, Ohno S, Ortiz‐Genga M, Sacilotto L, Schulze‐Bahr E, Shimizu W, Sotoodehnia N, Tadros R, Ware JS, Winlaw DS, Kaufman ES, Aiba T, Bollmann A, Choi J, Dalal A, Darrieux F, Giudicessi J, Guerchicoff M, Hong K, Krahn AD, Mac Intyre C, Mackall JA, Mont L, Napolitano C, Ochoa Juan P, Peichl P, Pereira AC, Schwartz PJ, Skinner J, Stellbrink C, Tfelt‐Hansen J, Deneke T. European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA)/Heart Rhythm Society (HRS)/Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society (APHRS)/Latin American Heart Rhythm Society (LAHRS) Expert Consensus Statement on the state of genetic testing for cardiac diseases. J Arrhythm 2022; 38:491-553. [PMID: 35936045 PMCID: PMC9347209 DOI: 10.1002/joa3.12717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Arthur A. M. Wilde
- Heart Centre, Department of Cardiology, Amsterdam Universitair Medische CentraAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Christopher Semsarian
- Agnes Ginges Centre for Molecular Cardiology at Centenary InstituteUniversity of SydneySydneyAustralia
| | - Manlio F. Márquez
- Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio ChávezCiudad de MéxicoMexico
| | | | - Michael J. Ackerman
- Departments of Cardiovascular Medicine, Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, and Molecular Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics; Divisions of Heart Rhythm Services and Pediatric Cardiology; Windland Smith Rice Genetic Heart Rhythm Clinic and Windland Smith Rice Sudden Death Genomics Laboratory, Mayo ClinicRochesterMNUSA
| | - Euan A. Ashley
- Department of Cardiovascular MedicineStanford UniversityStanfordCAUSA
| | | | | | - Elijah R. Behr
- Cardiovascular Clinical Academic Group, Institute of Molecular and Clinical Sciences, St. George’sUniversity of London; St. George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustLondonUKMayo Clinic HealthcareLondon
| | - Connie R. Bezzina
- Amsterdam UMC Heart Center, Department of Experimental CardiologyAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Breckpot
- Center for Human GeneticsUniversity Hospitals LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | | | | | - Lia Crotti
- Center for Cardiac Arrhythmias of Genetic Origin, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCSMilanItaly
- Cardiomyopathy Unit and Cardiac Rehabilitation Unit, San Luca Hospital, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCSMilanItaly
- Department of Medicine and SurgeryUniversity of Milano‐BicoccaMilanItaly
| | - Michael H. Gollob
- Inherited Arrhythmia and Cardiomyopathy Program, Division of CardiologyUniversity of TorontoTorontoONCanada
| | - Steven Lubitz
- Cardiac Arrhythmia ServiceMassachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMAUSA
| | - Naomasa Makita
- National Cerebral and Cardiovascular CenterResearch InstituteSuitaJapan
| | - Seiko Ohno
- Department of Bioscience and Genetics, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular CenterSuitaJapan
| | | | - Luciana Sacilotto
- Arrhythmia Unit, Instituto do Coracao, Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao PauloBrazil
| | - Eric Schulze‐Bahr
- Institute for Genetics of Heart DiseasesUniversity Hospital MünsterMünsterGermany
| | - Wataru Shimizu
- Department of Cardiovascular MedicineGraduate School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Nona Sotoodehnia
- Cardiovascular Health Research Unit, Division of Cardiology, Department of MedicineUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWAUSA
| | - Rafik Tadros
- Cardiovascular Genetics Center, Department of Medicine, Montreal Heart InstituteUniversité de MontréalMontrealCanada
| | - James S. Ware
- National Heart and Lung Institute and MRC London Institute of Medical SciencesImperial College LondonLondonUK
- Royal Brompton & Harefield Hospitals, Guy’s and St. Thomas’ NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
| | - David S. Winlaw
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical CentreUniversity of CincinnatiCincinnatiOHUSA
| | | | - Takeshi Aiba
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine and Genetics, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, SuitaOsakaJapan
| | - Andreas Bollmann
- Department of ElectrophysiologyHeart Center Leipzig at University of LeipzigLeipzigGermany
- Leipzig Heart InstituteLeipzigGermany
| | - Jong‐Il Choi
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University Anam HospitalKorea University College of MedicineSeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Aarti Dalal
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of CardiologyVanderbilt University School of MedicineNashvilleTNUSA
| | - Francisco Darrieux
- Arrhythmia Unit, Instituto do Coração, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São PauloSão PauloBrazil
| | - John Giudicessi
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine (Divisions of Heart Rhythm Services and Circulatory Failure and the Windland Smith Rice Genetic Heart Rhythm Clinic), Mayo ClinicRochesterMNUSA
| | - Mariana Guerchicoff
- Division of Pediatric Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology, Italian Hospital of Buenos AiresBuenos AiresArgentina
| | - Kui Hong
- Department of Cardiovascular MedicineThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang UniversityNanchangChina
| | - Andrew D. Krahn
- Division of CardiologyUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverCanada
| | - Ciorsti Mac Intyre
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Division of Heart Rhythm Services, Windland Smith Rice Genetic Heart Rhythm Clinic, Mayo ClinicRochesterMNUSA
| | - Judith A. Mackall
- Center for Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical CenterCase Western Reserve University School of MedicineClevelandOHUSA
| | - Lluís Mont
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer (IDIBAPS). Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red en Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), MadridSpain
| | - Carlo Napolitano
- Molecular Cardiology, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri, IRCCSPaviaItaly
- Department of Molecular MedicineUniversity of PaviaPaviaItaly
| | - Pablo Ochoa Juan
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (CNIC), MadridSpain
- Heart Failure and Inherited Cardiac Diseases Unit, Department of Cardiology, Hospital Universitario Puerta de HierroMadridSpain
- Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red en Enfermedades Cariovasculares (CIBERCV), MadridSpain
| | - Petr Peichl
- Department of CardiologyInstitute for Clinical and Experimental MedicinePragueCzech Republic
| | - Alexandre C. Pereira
- Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Cardiology, Heart InstituteUniversity of São Paulo Medical SchoolSão PauloBrazil
- Hipercol Brasil ProgramSão PauloBrazil
| | - Peter J. Schwartz
- Center for Cardiac Arrhythmias of Genetic Origin, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCSMilanItaly
| | - Jon Skinner
- Sydney Childrens Hospital NetworkUniversity of SydneySydneyAustralia
| | - Christoph Stellbrink
- Department of Cardiology and Intensive Care MedicineUniversity Hospital Campus Klinikum BielefeldBielefeldGermany
| | - Jacob Tfelt‐Hansen
- The Department of Cardiology, the Heart Centre, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshopitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Section of genetics, Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medical SciencesUniversity of CopenhagenDenmark
| | - Thomas Deneke
- Heart Center Bad NeustadtBad Neustadt a.d. SaaleGermany
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Delgado-Vega AM, Kommata V, Svennblad B, Wisten A, Hagström E, Stattin EL. Family History and Warning Symptoms Precede Sudden Cardiac Death in Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (from a Nationwide Study in Sweden). Am J Cardiol 2022; 178:124-130. [PMID: 35835598 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2022.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is an inherited cardiac disease explaining about 4% of sudden cardiac death (SCD) cases in the young in Sweden. This study aimed to describe the circumstances preceding SCD in all victims <35 years of age who received an autopsy-confirmed diagnosis of ARVC from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2010, in Sweden (n = 22). Data on demographics, medical and family history, circumstances of death, and anatomopathological findings were collected from several compulsory national health registries, clinical records, family interviews, and autopsy reports. Registry-based data were compared with age-matched, gender-matched, and geographically-matched population controls. During the 6 months preceding SCD, 15 cases (68%) had experienced symptoms of cardiac origin, mainly syncope or presyncope (54%) and chest discomfort (27%). A total of 8 cases (36%) had sought medical care because of cardiac symptoms. The occurrence of hospital visits was significantly increased in cases compared with controls (odds ratio 4.62 [1.35 to 15.8]). A total of 10 cases (45%) had a family history of SCD. The most common activity at the time of death was exercise (41%). A complete cardiac investigation was seldom performed; only 1 case was diagnosed with ARVC before death. In conclusion, in this nationwide study, we observed a high prevalence of symptoms of cardiac origin, healthcare use, and family history of SCD preceding SCD in the young caused by ARVC. Increased awareness of these warning signals in younger patients is critical to improving risk stratification and early disease detection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Varvara Kommata
- Department of Medical Sciences, Cardiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Bodil Svennblad
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Aase Wisten
- Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation, Sunderby Research Unit, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Emil Hagström
- Department of Medical Sciences, Cardiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Eva-Lena Stattin
- Department of Immunology, Genetics, and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Wilde AAM, Semsarian C, Márquez MF, Sepehri Shamloo A, Ackerman MJ, Ashley EA, Sternick EB, Barajas-Martinez H, Behr ER, Bezzina CR, Breckpot J, Charron P, Chockalingam P, Crotti L, Gollob MH, Lubitz S, Makita N, Ohno S, Ortiz-Genga M, Sacilotto L, Schulze-Bahr E, Shimizu W, Sotoodehnia N, Tadros R, Ware JS, Winlaw DS, Kaufman ES, Aiba T, Bollmann A, Choi JI, Dalal A, Darrieux F, Giudicessi J, Guerchicoff M, Hong K, Krahn AD, MacIntyre C, Mackall JA, Mont L, Napolitano C, Ochoa JP, Peichl P, Pereira AC, Schwartz PJ, Skinner J, Stellbrink C, Tfelt-Hansen J, Deneke T. European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA)/Heart Rhythm Society (HRS)/Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society (APHRS)/Latin American Heart Rhythm Society (LAHRS) Expert Consensus Statement on the State of Genetic Testing for Cardiac Diseases. Heart Rhythm 2022; 19:e1-e60. [PMID: 35390533 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2022.03.1225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Arthur A M Wilde
- Heart Centre, Department of Cardiology, Amsterdam Universitair Medische Centra, Amsterdam, location AMC, The Netherlands.
| | - Christopher Semsarian
- Agnes Ginges Centre for Molecular Cardiology at Centenary Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Manlio F Márquez
- Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez, Ciudad de México, Mexico; and Member of the Latin American Heart Rhythm Society (LAHRS).
| | | | - Michael J Ackerman
- Departments of Cardiovascular Medicine, Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, and Molecular Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics; Divisions of Heart Rhythm Services and Pediatric Cardiology; Windland Smith Rice Genetic Heart Rhythm Clinic and Windland Smith Rice Sudden Death Genomics Laboratory, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Euan A Ashley
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Eduardo Back Sternick
- Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology Unit, Biocor Institute, Minas Gerais, Brazil; and Member of the Latin American Heart Rhythm Society (LAHRS)
| | | | - Elijah R Behr
- Cardiovascular Clinical Academic Group, Institute of Molecular and Clinical Sciences, St. George's, University of London; St. George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; Mayo Clinic Healthcare, London
| | - Connie R Bezzina
- Amsterdam UMC Heart Center, Department of Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Breckpot
- Center for Human Genetics, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Philippe Charron
- Sorbonne Université, APHP, Centre de Référence des Maladies Cardiaques Héréditaires, ICAN, Inserm UMR1166, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | | | - Lia Crotti
- Center for Cardiac Arrhythmias of Genetic Origin, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy; Cardiomyopathy Unit and Cardiac Rehabilitation Unit, San Luca Hospital, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy; Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Michael H Gollob
- Inherited Arrhythmia and Cardiomyopathy Program, Division of Cardiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Steven Lubitz
- Cardiac Arrhythmia Service, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Naomasa Makita
- National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Research Institute, Suita, Japan
| | - Seiko Ohno
- Department of Bioscience and Genetics, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Suita, Japan
| | - Martín Ortiz-Genga
- Clinical Department, Health in Code, A Coruña, Spain; and Member of the Latin American Heart Rhythm Society (LAHRS)
| | - Luciana Sacilotto
- Arrhythmia Unit, Instituto do Coracao, Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil; and Member of the Latin American Heart Rhythm Society (LAHRS)
| | - Eric Schulze-Bahr
- Institute for Genetics of Heart Diseases, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Wataru Shimizu
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Nippon Medical School, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nona Sotoodehnia
- Cardiovascular Health Research Unit, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Rafik Tadros
- Cardiovascular Genetics Center, Department of Medicine, Montreal Heart Institute, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - James S Ware
- National Heart and Lung Institute and MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK; Royal Brompton & Harefield Hospitals, Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - David S Winlaw
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Centre, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Elizabeth S Kaufman
- Metrohealth Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.
| | - Takeshi Aiba
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine and Genetics, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Andreas Bollmann
- Department of Electrophysiology, Heart Center Leipzig at University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany; Leipzig Heart Institute, Leipzig Heart Digital, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jong-Il Choi
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University Anam Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Aarti Dalal
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Cardiology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Francisco Darrieux
- Arrhythmia Unit, Instituto do Coração, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - John Giudicessi
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine (Divisions of Heart Rhythm Services and Circulatory Failure and the Windland Smith Rice Genetic Heart Rhythm Clinic), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Mariana Guerchicoff
- Division of Pediatric Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology, Italian Hospital of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Kui Hong
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Andrew D Krahn
- Division of Cardiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Ciorsti MacIntyre
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Division of Heart Rhythm Services, Windland Smith Rice Genetic Heart Rhythm Clinic, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Judith A Mackall
- Center for Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Lluís Mont
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red en Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlo Napolitano
- Molecular Cardiology, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri, IRCCS, Pavia, Italy; Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Juan Pablo Ochoa
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (CNIC), Madrid, Spain; Heart Failure and Inherited Cardiac Diseases Unit, Department of Cardiology, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red en Enfermedades Cariovasculares (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain
| | - Petr Peichl
- Department of Cardiology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Alexandre C Pereira
- Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Cardiology, Heart Institute, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo 05403-000, Brazil; Hipercol Brasil Program, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Peter J Schwartz
- Center for Cardiac Arrhythmias of Genetic Origin, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Jon Skinner
- Sydney Childrens Hospital Network, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Christoph Stellbrink
- Department of Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Campus Klinikum Bielefeld, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Jacob Tfelt-Hansen
- The Department of Cardiology, the Heart Centre, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshopitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Section of Genetics, Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thomas Deneke
- Heart Center Bad Neustadt, Bad Neustadt a.d. Saale, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Behr ER, Scrocco C, Wilde AAM, Marijon E, Crotti L, Iliodromitis KE, Remme CA, Kosiuk J, Rudaka I, Brugada GS, Frampton K, Schulze-Bahr E, Jubele K, de Asmundis C, Hofman N, Tfelt-Hansen J, Boveda S, Conte G. Investigation on Sudden Unexpected Death in the Young (SUDY) in Europe: results of the European Heart Rhythm Association Survey. Europace 2022; 24:331-339. [PMID: 34351417 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euab176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The aims of this centre-based survey, promoted and disseminated by the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) was to investigate the current practice for the investigation of Sudden Unexplained Death in the Young (SUDY) amongst European countries. An online questionnaire composed of 21 questions was submitted to the EHRA Research Network, European Cardiac Arrhythmia Genetics (ECGen) Focus Group members, and European Reference Network GUARD-Heart healthcare partners. There were 81 respondents from 24 European countries. The majority (78%) worked in a dedicated clinic focusing on families with inherited cardiac conditions and/or SUDY or had easy access to a nearby one. On average, an autopsy was performed in 43% of SUDY cases. Macroscopic examination of the body and all organs were completed in 71% of cases undergoing autopsy, and expert cardiac examination in 32%. Post-mortem genetic testing was requested on average in 37% of Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome (SADS) cases, but not at all by 20% of survey respondents. Psychological support and bereavement counselling for SADS/SUDY families were available for ≤50% of participants. Whilst electrocardiogram (ECG) and echocardiography were largely employed to investigate SADS relatives, there was an inconsistent approach to the use of provocative testing with exercise ECG, sodium channel blocking drugs, and/or epinephrine and genetic testing. The survey highlighted a significant heterogeneity of service provision and variable adherence to current recommendations for the investigation of SUDY, partly attributable to the availability of dedicated units and specialist tests, genetic evaluation, and post-mortem examination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elijah R Behr
- Cardiology Research Centre and Cardiovascular Clinical Academic Group, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Institute, St. George's, University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London SW17 0RE, UK
- St. George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Chiara Scrocco
- Cardiology Research Centre and Cardiovascular Clinical Academic Group, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Institute, St. George's, University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London SW17 0RE, UK
- St. George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Arthur A M Wilde
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Heart Center, Amsterdam UMC, Location Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eloi Marijon
- Paris Cardiovascular Research Center, INSERM Unit 970, Paris, France
- Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Cardiology Department, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Paris, France
| | - Lia Crotti
- Department of Cardiovascular, Neural and Metabolic Sciences, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, San Luca Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Center for Cardiac Arrhythmias of Genetic Origin, Laboratory of Cardiovascular Genetics, Milan, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Carol A Remme
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Heart Center, Amsterdam UMC, Location Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jedrzej Kosiuk
- 1st Chair and Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Irina Rudaka
- Arrhythmology Department, Paul Stradins Clinical University Hospital, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
| | - Georgia Sarquella Brugada
- Arrhythmia, Inherited Cardiac Diseases and Sudden Death, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
- Medical Sciences Department, School of Medicine, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Katie Frampton
- Cardiology Research Centre and Cardiovascular Clinical Academic Group, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Institute, St. George's, University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London SW17 0RE, UK
- St. George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Eric Schulze-Bahr
- Institute for Genetics of Heart Diseases (IfGH), University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Kristine Jubele
- Arrhythmology Department, Paul Stradins Clinical University Hospital, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
| | - Carlo de Asmundis
- Heart Rhythm Management Center, Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel-Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nynke Hofman
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Heart Center, Amsterdam UMC, Location Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jacob Tfelt-Hansen
- The Heart Centre, Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospital/Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Section of Forensic Genetics, Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Serge Boveda
- Paris Cardiovascular Research Center, INSERM Unit 970, Paris, France
- Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Heart Rhythm Management Center, Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel-Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Heart Rhythm Management Department, Clinique Pasteur, 45 Avenue de Lombez, 31076 Toulouse, France
| | - Giulio Conte
- Division of Cardiology, Cardiocentro Ticino Institute, Lugano, Switzerland
- Università della Svizzera Italiana Lugano, Lugano, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Neubauer J, Kissel CK, Bolliger SA, Barbon D, Thali MJ, Kloiber D, Bode PK, Kovacs B, Graf U, Maspoli A, Berger W, Saguner AM, Haas C. Benefits and outcomes of a new multidisciplinary approach for the management and financing of sudden unexplained death cases in a forensic setting in Switzerland. Forensic Sci Int 2022; 334:111240. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2022.111240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
|
44
|
Scheiper-Welling S, Tabunscik M, Gross TE, Jenewein T, Beckmann BM, Niess C, Gradhand E, Wunder C, Schneider PM, Rothschild MA, Verhoff MA, Kauferstein S. Variant interpretation in molecular autopsy: a useful dilemma. Int J Legal Med 2022; 136:475-482. [PMID: 35091851 PMCID: PMC8847204 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-021-02764-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Sudden cardiac death (SCD) in adolescents and young adults may be the first manifestation of an inherited arrhythmic syndrome. Thus identification of a genetic origin in sudden death cases deemed inconclusive after a comprehensive autopsy and may help to reduce the risk of lethal episodes in the remaining family. Using next-generation sequencing (NGS), a large number of variants of unknown significance (VUS) are detected. In the majority of cases, there is insufficient evidence of pathogenicity, representing a huge dilemma in current genetic investigations. Misinterpretation of such variants may lead to inaccurate genetic diagnoses and/or the adoption of unnecessary and/or inappropriate therapeutic approaches. In our study, we applied current (ACMG) recommendations for variant classification in post-mortem genetic screening of a cohort of 56 SCD victims. We identified a total 53 rare protein-altering variants (MAF < 0.2%) classified as VUS or worse. Twelve percent of the cases exhibited a clinically actionable variant (pathogenic, likely pathogenic or VUS – potentially pathogenic) that would warrant cascade genetic screening in relatives. Most of the variants detected by means of the post-mortem genetic investigations were VUS. Thus, genetic testing by itself might be fairly meaningless without supporting background data. This data reinforces the need for an experienced multidisciplinary team for obtaining reliable and accountable interpretations of variant significance for elucidating potential causes for SCDs in the young. This enables the early identification of relatives at risk or excludes family members as genetic carriers. Also, development of adequate forensic guidelines to enable appropriate interpretation of rare genetic variants is fundamental.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Monika Tabunscik
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Goethe University, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Theresa E Gross
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Clinic, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Tina Jenewein
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Goethe University, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Britt M Beckmann
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Goethe University, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Constanze Niess
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Goethe University, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Elise Gradhand
- Institute of Pathology, Goethe University, University Hospital Frankfurt, Kennedyallee 104, 60596, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Cora Wunder
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Goethe University, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Peter M Schneider
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Clinic, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Markus A Rothschild
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Clinic, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Marcel A Verhoff
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Goethe University, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Silke Kauferstein
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Goethe University, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Ben-Haim Y, Behr ER. Genetics of sudden cardiac death. Curr Opin Cardiol 2022; 37:212-218. [DOI: 10.1097/hco.0000000000000946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
46
|
Buja LM, Zhao B, Segura A, Lelenwa L, McDonald M, Michaud K. Cardiovascular pathology: guide to practice and training. Cardiovasc Pathol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-822224-9.00001-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
|
47
|
Affiliation(s)
| | - James R Stone
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Scrocco C, Bezzina CR, Ackerman MJ, Behr ER. Genetics and genomics of arrhythmic risk: current and future strategies to prevent sudden cardiac death. Nat Rev Cardiol 2021; 18:774-784. [PMID: 34031597 DOI: 10.1038/s41569-021-00555-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
A genetic risk of sudden cardiac arrest and sudden death due to an arrhythmic cause, known as sudden cardiac death (SCD), has become apparent from epidemiological studies in the general population and in patients with ischaemic heart disease. However, genetic susceptibility to sudden death is greatest in young people and is associated with uncommon, monogenic forms of heart disease. Despite comprehensive pathology and genetic evaluations, SCD remains unexplained in a proportion of young people and is termed sudden arrhythmic death syndrome, which poses challenges to the identification of relatives from affected families who might be at risk of SCD. In this Review, we assess the current understanding of the epidemiology and causes of SCD and evaluate both the monogenic and the polygenic contributions to the risk of SCD in the young and SCD associated with drug therapy. Finally, we analyse the potential clinical role of genomic testing in the prevention of SCD in the general population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Scrocco
- Cardiovascular Clinical Academic Group, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Institute, St George's University of London and St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Connie R Bezzina
- Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Michael J Ackerman
- Departments of Cardiovascular Medicine, Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, and Molecular Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics; Divisions of Heart Rhythm Services and Pediatric Cardiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.,Windland Smith Rice Genetic Heart Rhythm Clinic and the Windland Smith Rice Sudden Death Genomics Laboratory, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Elijah R Behr
- Cardiovascular Clinical Academic Group, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Institute, St George's University of London and St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Tomorrow never dies. Resuscitation 2021; 168:223-224. [PMID: 34500020 DOI: 10.1016/j.resuscitation.2021.08.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
|
50
|
Nolan JP, Sandroni C, Böttiger BW, Cariou A, Cronberg T, Friberg H, Genbrugge C, Haywood K, Lilja G, Moulaert VRM, Nikolaou N, Olasveengen TM, Skrifvars MB, Taccone F, Soar J. Postreanimationsbehandlung. Notf Rett Med 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10049-021-00892-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
|