Progression

Hello Doctor,

I know that ARVD is a progressive disease that can sometimes be 'concealed' at the beginning because of very minor abnormalities.  Could you please tell me what abnormalities typically appear at the earlier/beginning stage of this condition?

[Michael J. McWilliams, M.D.]

That is not a question that can be easily answered in non doctor language. This website describes some of the characteristics of ARVD.

http://askdrwiki.com/mediawiki/index.php?title=ARVD

All of my experience with ARVD is in the advanced stages for complicated ablations or defibrillators.  If you are worried you or someone you know might be in the early stages, it might be worth seeing someone like Hugh Calkins at The Johns Hopkins Hospital.  He has an ARVD clinic/registry.  The cases that some one has seen, the more likely that will recognize cases earlier.

I know this doesn't answer your question but I hope it points you in the right direction.