Optimal management of Brugada syndrome

Abstract

Brugada syndrome can induce malignant ventricular arrhythmias in the absence of structural heart disease. The hallmark of the condition is the ’’coved’’ (type I) or ’’saddle-back’’ (types II and III) ST segment elevation in the right precordial leads. The definite diagnosis requires the documentation of the type I morphology. The electrocardiographic pattern is often dynamic, but it can be unmasked by sodium channel blockers such as flecainide. We report the case of a 33-year old male, with family history significant for sudden cardiac death, who underwent successful cardio-pulmonary resuscitation for ventricular fibrillation-associated cardiac arrest. The 12 lead electrocardiogram performed after the resuscitation maneuvers showed intermittent type 1 Brugada pattern. General physical examination and routine laboratory evaluation were unremarkable. A repeated electrocardiogram revealed sinus tachycardia with right bundle branch block. We performed a flecainide challenge test which reproduced the initial coved-type ST segment elevation in V1 and V2. We decided to implant a ventricular single chamber cardioverter-defibrillator with one therapeutical window for ventricular fibrillation (at 300 ms), high energy shocks without antitachycardia pacing. The device was successful in preventing another episode of ventricular fibrillation just 2 days after the procedure. Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators are the most effective secondary prophylaxis therapeutic options for individuals with Brugada Syndrome, but they subject the patient to complications related to device implantation and inappropriate shocks.