A rare HCN4 variant with combined sinus bradycardia, left atrial dilatation, and hypertrabeculation/left ventricular noncompaction phenotype.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

HCN4 variants have been reported to cause combined sick sinus syndrome (SSS) and left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC) cardiomyopathy. This relationship has been proven in few cases and no previous patients have associated left atrial dilatation (LAD). Our objective was to study a familial disorder characterized by SSS, LAD, and hypertrabeculation/LVNC and to identify the underlying genetic and electrophysiological characteristics.

METHODS

A family with SSS and LVNC underwent a clinical, genetic, and electrophysiological assessment. They were studied via electrocardiography, Holter recording, echocardiography, and exercise stress tests; cardiac magnetic resonance imaging was additionally performed in affected individuals. Genetic testing was undertaken with targeted next-generation sequencing, as well as a functional study of the candidate variant in Chinese hamster ovary cells.

RESULTS

Twelve members of the family had sinus bradycardia, associated with complete criteria of LVNC in 4 members and hypertrabeculation in 6 others, as well as LAD in 9 members. A HCN4 c.1123C>T;(p.R375C) variant was present in heterozygosis in all affected patients and absent in unaffected individuals. Electrophysiological analyses showed that the amplitude and densities of the HCN4 currents (I) generated by mutant p.R375C HCN4 channels were significantly lower than those generated by wild-type channels.

CONCLUSIONS

The combined phenotype of SSS, LAD, and LVNC is associated with the heritable HCN4 c.1123C>T;(p.R375C) variant. HCN4 variants should be included in the genetic diagnosis of LVNC cardiomyopathy and of patients with familial forms of SSS, as well as of individuals with sinus bradycardia and LAD.