Dear Colleagues,

Ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) occur most often in the context of structural heart disease, with a small group of patients presenting idiopathic VA without any structural abnormalities. Cardiac diseases associated with VA differ in young vs. older individuals. In the young, there is a predominance of channelopathies, cardiomyopathies, myocarditis and substance abuse, while in older populations, chronic degenerative diseases predominate (coronary artery disease, valvular heart diseases and heart failure). Refractory unstable ventricular arrhythmias and electrical storm are often life-threatening, increasing patients’ mortality rate up to 50%.

Pharmacological therapy often fails, necessitating catheter ablation with or without the implantation of a cardioverter-defibrillator. In particular, catheter ablation can reduce recurrent episodes of VA and improve patient prognoses; however, patients with hemodynamically unstable ventricular arrhythmias have a rate of procedural complications and mortality. Recent data suggest that mechanical circulatory support can provide valuable support during catheter ablation procedures to prevent peri-procedure adverse outcomes.

In recent years, new diagnostic and therapeutic techniques have been developed to improve the prognosis of patients suffering from VA. In particular, advanced imaging including computed tomography and magnetic resonance; new techniques to perform catheter ablation; and genetic testing can improve the management of VA.

The aim of the present Special Issue is to provide a clear and modern overview on the contemporary diagnosis and treatment of VA, with a focus on modern cardiac imaging techniques and catheter ablation procedures. By reading this Special Issue, cardiologists will improve their knowledge by learning about the latest trends in the diagnosis and treatment of VA.

Dr. Antonio Di Monaco
Prof. Dr. Massimo Grimaldi
Guest Editors

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• ventricular arrhythmias
• electrical storm
• Sudden cardiac death
• cardiac imaging
• catheter ablation
• antiarrhythmic drugs
• mechanical circulatory support