Yellow phosphorus-induced Brugada phenocopy

J Electrocardiol. 2018 Jan-Feb;51(1):129-131. doi: 10.1016/j.jelectrocard.2017.08.033. Epub 2017 Sep 1.

Abstract

Background: Metallic phosphides (of aluminum and phosphide) and yellow phosphorus are commonly used rodenticide compounds in developing countries. Toxicity of yellow phosphorus mostly pertains to the liver, kidney, heart, pancreas and the brain. Cardiotoxicity with associated Brugada ECG pattern has been reported only in poisoning with metallic phosphides.

Methods and results: Brugada phenocopy and hepatic dysfunction were observed in a 29-year-old male following yellow phosphorus consumption. He had both type 1 (day1) and type 2 (day2) Brugada patterns in the electrocardiogram, which resolved spontaneously by the third day without hemodynamic compromise.

Conclusion: Toxins such as aluminum and zinc phosphide have been reported to induce Brugada ECG patterns due to the generation of phosphine. We report the first case of yellow phosphorus-related Brugada phenocopy, without hemodynamic compromise or malignant arrhythmia.

Keywords: Brugada phenocopy; Brugada syndrome; Brugada-type ECG pattern; Phosphide; Yellow phosphorus poisoning.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Brugada Syndrome / chemically induced*
  • Brugada Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury
  • Electrocardiography / drug effects*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Phosphorus / adverse effects*
  • Rodenticides / adverse effects*
  • Suicide, Attempted

Substances

  • Rodenticides
  • Phosphorus