Conclusion
We showed that those with an ICD implanted for CS receive comparable
rates of appropriate therapy but are at higher risk of complication than
the average ICD patient. Young age, male sex and ventricular
characteristics such as low LVEF were frequently found to be significant
factors in predicting appropriate therapy. There was little significant
information available globally relating to device complications in those
with CS.
It was evident that in many of the previously reviewed studies, those
with CS experience more frequent ICD therapies than other cohorts. In
comparison to the “Sudden Cardiac Death In Heart Failure Trial”
(SCD-HeFT), rates of ICD therapy were more than double that of the
~5% appropriate shocks delivered per annum(32).
However, as discussed, the benefits of ICD therapy are double-edged in
nature, with extensive side effect profiles and high rates of
inappropriate therapy.
Although the conclusions drawn by the authors from the aforementioned
studies are based largely off small data sets, the research groups
should be commended on their contributions in such a rare condition
which has helped to improve the quality of care delivered. Although a
niche field, cardiac sarcoidosis proves to be an interesting research
area with a broad array of research opportunities for those in whom it
piques interest.