Rapid diagnostic test using a brief swab of the cheek may identify life-threatening heart condition in pediatric patients, as asserted by medical professionals.

In a groundbreaking development, researchers at City St George's, University of London, are studying a new test for Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy (ACM), a condition responsible for 10% of sudden cardiac deaths in youngsters.

Dr Joanna Jager, a researcher at the university, emphasised the need for a quick and easy test to flag suspected ACM cases, as experts warn that the condition has the "potential to develop and strike without warning".

The study, which includes 51 children from the age of three months to 18 years with a known genetic risk of ACM, is currently underway. Another group of 21 children with no known genetic risk of ACM were also included in the study.

The participants were given cheek swabs every three to six months, and researchers found that the swabs revealed changes in the youngsters up to five years before they were diagnosed. Five of the children from the group with no known risk had abnormalities picked up by these swabs.

Of the group, 10 went on to develop ACM, and eight of those patients showed abnormalities that were picked up by cheek swabs before other tests. This early detection could potentially save lives, as early diagnosis of ACM is crucial due to its unpredictable nature.

Dr Angeliki Asimaki, a reader in cardiac morphology and sudden death at City St George's, University of London, mentioned that the test provides a window into microscopic changes happening in the heart. She also assured that the test is risk-free and non-invasive.

In addition, Dr Sonya Babu-Narayan, clinical director at the British Heart Foundation, stated the importance of early diagnosis, emphasising that ACM can cause symptoms such as heart palpitations, fainting, breathlessness, abnormal heart rhythms, and swelling in the tummy, legs, or ankles.

The new ACM test is less invasive and painful than traditional blood tests, making it a preferred choice for patients, particularly children. Researchers are developing swab kits for home use, allowing children to do cheek swabs at home and post them off for analysis.

It is estimated that around one in every 10,000 people in the UK has ACM. The potential of the test is to provide accurate and timely diagnosis of ACM, ultimately saving lives. The researcher working on the development of Chekswabs for early detection of arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy at City, St George's, University of London is Dr. Sian Harding.

Rapid diagnostic test using a brief swab of the cheek may identify life-threatening heart condition in pediatric patients, as asserted by medical professionals.