[Brugada syndrome unmasked by lithium treatment]

Presse Med. 2007 Apr;36(4 Pt 1):612-4. doi: 10.1016/j.lpm.2006.11.028. Epub 2007 Feb 27.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Introduction: The Brugada syndrome is a rare genetic disease that can lead to death. Its diagnosis requires electrocardiography.

Case: A 36-year-old man was admitted with syncope. Brugada syndrome was diagnosed by the typical ECG pattern. The interaction between lithium therapy and ECG was shown clearly by the alternating type 1 and type 3 Brugada ECG patterns, depending on lithium status.

Discussion: The Brugada syndrome may be unmasked by lithium therapy, due to its properties as a Na+ channel blocker, even at low doses. This case also demonstrated the usefulness of ECG in detecting the Brugada syndrome before and during lithium prescription.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bipolar Disorder / drug therapy
  • Brugada Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Electrocardiography
  • Humans
  • Lithium Compounds / therapeutic use*
  • Male
  • Psychotropic Drugs / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Lithium Compounds
  • Psychotropic Drugs