What diagnostic finding is consistent with ARVD?

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia (ARVD) is a condition characterized by the replacement of right ventricular myocardium with fatty and fibrous tissue, leading to arrhythmias. The epsilon wave is a unique electrocardiographic finding associated with ARVD. It manifests as a small positive deflection that occurs after the QRS complex and is typically seen in lead V1.

The presence of an epsilon wave suggests changes in the right ventricular myocardium and is a strong indicator of ARVD, enhancing the diagnostic accuracy for this condition. These waves can be detected even in asymptomatic individuals and are integral to the diagnosis when combined with other clinical and imaging findings. This makes the epsilon wave a hallmark of the disease itself.

Other findings, such as Q waves, might be indicative of other cardiac conditions, and while a prolonged PR interval or a normal QT interval can occur in various cardiac conditions, they are not specific to ARVD. Thus, the identification of the epsilon wave is critical in the context of diagnosing ARVD specifically.