Fever-Induced Brugada Pattern Misdiagnosed as an Acute Myocardial Infarction

J La State Med Soc. 2017 Jan-Feb;169(1):11-14. Epub 2017 Feb 15.

Abstract

The Brugada syndrome is a rare condition associated with increased risk of ventricular tachyarrhythmias and sudden cardiac death (SCD). The Brugada pattern on electrocardiogram (EKG) is known to be revealed by several precipitants including febrile illnesses. The appearance of a Brugada pattern on EKG with fever may indicate an elevated risk of arrhythmia or sudden cardiac death. We report a case in which the electrocardiographic abnormality of Brugada pattern induced by sepsis was initially misinterpreted as a ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The Brugada pattern on EKG resolved with treatment of the underlying sepsis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Brugada Syndrome / diagnostic imaging*
  • Diagnostic Errors
  • Disease Management
  • Electrocardiography
  • Fever / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Myocardial Infarction / diagnostic imaging*
  • Sepsis / complications*