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These studies suggest that rare cardiovascular diseases can be diagnosed and managed using various tools and strategies, including CMR imaging, genetic research, personalized approaches, comprehensive databases, updated classifications, and patient-specific disease models like iPSCs.
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Rare cardiovascular diseases (RCDs) are conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels but have a low prevalence in the general population. Despite their rarity, these diseases can have significant clinical impacts and often require specialized diagnostic and therapeutic approaches . The classification of RCDs is essential for improving diagnosis, treatment, and research collaboration .
Class I RCDs involve systemic circulation issues, including diseases that affect the arteries and veins outside the heart. Examples include Marfan syndrome and Turner syndrome, which can lead to aortopathies.
Class II RCDs affect the pulmonary circulation, such as pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. These conditions can lead to severe complications if not properly managed.
Class III includes various cardiomyopathies, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), and arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC). These diseases often have genetic underpinnings and can lead to heart failure or sudden cardiac death .
Class IV encompasses congenital cardiovascular diseases, which are present at birth. Examples include congenital heart defects like partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection and univentricular hearts .
Class V includes rare cardiac tumors and cardiovascular diseases associated with malignancies. These conditions are often challenging to diagnose and treat due to their complexity and the need for multidisciplinary care.
Class VI covers inherited arrhythmias and other arrhythmogenic disorders, such as long QT syndrome (LQT), short QT syndrome (SQT), and Brugada syndrome (BrS). These conditions are often caused by genetic mutations affecting ion channels .
Class VII includes cardiovascular diseases that specifically affect pregnant women. These conditions require careful management to ensure the safety of both the mother and the fetus.
Class VIII is a catch-all category for rare cardiovascular diseases that do not fit into the other classes. This category highlights the need for ongoing research and classification efforts to better understand and manage these conditions.
CMR is a valuable tool for diagnosing and managing RCDs. It allows for comprehensive imaging, including angiography, function, perfusion, and tissue characterization in a single examination. Specific imaging patterns, such as late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) and T1 mapping, can help identify various RCDs.
Genetic testing plays a crucial role in diagnosing monogenic cardiovascular diseases and understanding the genetic basis of RCDs. Precision medicine approaches, including the use of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), offer opportunities for patient-specific therapies and better disease modeling .
The management of RCDs often requires a multidisciplinary approach involving cardiologists, geneticists, nurses, social workers, and other healthcare professionals. This collaborative effort is essential for providing comprehensive care and improving patient outcomes .
Rare cardiovascular diseases, though uncommon, pose significant challenges in diagnosis and treatment. A thorough understanding of their classification, coupled with advanced diagnostic tools and multidisciplinary care, is essential for improving patient outcomes. Ongoing research and collaboration are crucial for advancing our knowledge and management of these complex conditions.
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