Detection of Fibroadipose Tissue Infiltration with Cardiac Computed Tomography: A Case of Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy.

Abstract

In the evaluation of cardiomyopathies, cardiac computed tomography (CCT) is predominantly used for assessing congenital or acquired coronary artery diseases as a potential etiology underlying the observed myocardial abnormalities. However, its utility is expected to expand. We present a case of an asymptomatic patient with claustrophobia who sought medical attention due to frequent ventricular beats. The resting electrocardiogram revealed repolarization abnormalities characterized by flattened T-waves in the lateral leads and low QRS voltages in the peripheral leads, whereas transthoracic echocardiography was normal. CCT accurately identified hypodense areas indicative of fibrofatty infiltration within the inferolateral and anterior walls of the left ventricle. Furthermore, late iodine contrast-phase imaging revealed subepicardial late enhancement striae in the same regions. These imaging findings were pivotal in establishing a diagnosis of left-dominant arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy. This clinical vignette underscores the potential of CCT in tissue characterization, particularly when cardiac magnetic resonance imaging is contraindicated or unavailable.