Malignant ventricular arrhythmias induction by programmed electrical stimulation of the right ventricular outflow tract only during type 1 Brugada ECG maximization

Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2016 May;20(10):2106-12.

Abstract

Objective: The role of electrophysiology study in Brugada syndrome (BS) sudden cardiac death risk stratification remains controversial and seems to depend on the phenotypic expression of the channelopathy. Ajmaline has a key role in the diagnosis of BS. We observed that programmed electrical stimulation (PES) of the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT), only when type 1 BS ECG is unmasked by ajmaline administration, induces ventricular arrhythmias.

Case report: We describe a case of ventricular fibrillation induction by PES of the RVOT when type 1 BS ECG is revealed by ajmaline, in a patient with a baseline dynamic intermittent type 1 and 2 BS ECG.

Conclusions: The heterogeneous clinical presentations of BS are due to the underlying mechanisms. PES of the RVOT during positive ajmaline test maximizes the channelopathy and therefore sudden cardiac death risk-stratification in BS.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Brugada Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Cardiac Conduction System Disease
  • Electric Stimulation
  • Electrocardiography
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Ventricular Fibrillation