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.