Brugada syndrome overview
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
The Brugada syndrome is a genetic disease that is characterized by abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG) findings and an increased risk of sudden cardiac death in young adults, and occasionally in children and infants.
Historical Perspective
Although the ECG findings of Brugada syndrome were first reported[1] among survivors of cardiac arrest in 1989, it was only in 1992 that the Brugada brothers[2] recognized it as a distinct clinical entity, causing sudden death by causing ventricular fibrillation (a lethal arrhythmia) in the heart.
EKG Characteristics
As shown by the racing below, The EKG characteristics of Bugada syndrome include:
- a) A broad P-wave with some PQ prolongation
- b) J point elevation in the right precordial leads (V1-V3)
- c) Coved ST segment elevation
- d) An inverted T wave
Provocation of EKG Changes
The findings of Brugada syndrome are often concealed, but can be unmasked or modulated by a number of drugs and pathophysiological states including sodium channel blockers, a febrile state, vagotonic agents that mimic sleep, tricyclic antidepressants, as well as cocaine and Propranolol intoxication.
References
- ↑ Martini B, Nava A, Thiene G, Buja GF, Canciani B, Scognamiglio R, Daliento L, Dalla Volta S. Ventricular fibrillation without apparent heart disease: description of six cases. Am Heart J 1989 Dec;118(6):1203-9 PMID 2589161
- ↑ Brugada P, Brugada J. Right bundle branch block, persistent ST segment elevation and sudden cardiac death: a distinct clinical and electrocardiographic syndrome. A multicenter report. J Am Coll Cardiol. 1992 Nov 15;20(6):1391-6. PMID 1309182