Arrhythmias & electrophysiology
Isolated Nonischemic Left Ventricular Scar in Asymptomatic Athletes: Clinical Characteristics, Genetic Background, and Follow-Up
Authors' conclusion
NILVS in asymptomatic athletes may carry arrhythmic risk even in the absence of previous symptoms or left ventricular dysfunction. Athletes with NILVS and no gene mutations/family history are older and with a higher past exercise volume.
Study context
- Population
- Asymptomatic athletes diagnosed with isolated nonischemic left ventricular scar (NILVS) through preparticipation screening, with isolated NILVS involving at least 2 segments, no previous major arrhythmic events, available genetic testing and >1 year of follow-upathletes, including 9 elites, 90% males, 44 [range:33–52] years
- Participants
- 40 athletes
- Outcome
- Electrocardiogram abnormalities
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Electrocardiogram abnormalities
48%
Further findings
Left ventricular ejection fraction
- Left ventricular ejection fraction was normal or mildly reduced
Genetic testing or family screening positive
- Genetic testing or family screening was positive
- 9 (23%)
Profile of athletes without familial/genetic background
- Athletes without familial/genetic background were older and declared higher cumulative years of sports activity
Sport participation and therapy · median follow-up time of 23 months
- Continued noncompetitive sport
- 84%
- On beta-blocker therapy
- 73%
Safety
Major arrhythmic events · median follow-up time of 23 months
- Major arrhythmic events (resuscitated cardiac arrest and sustained ventricular tachycardia)
- Two
- Both in athletes with a positive family history for NILVS, but negative genetic testing, and both during noncompetitive exercise
Original publication
Isolated Nonischemic Left Ventricular Scar in Asymptomatic Athletes: Clinical Characteristics, Genetic Background, and Follow-Up. JACC Clin Electrophysiol. Published 14 January 2026. doi:10.
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