The Southern Medical Journal (SMJ) is the official, peer-reviewed journal of the Southern Medical Association. It has a multidisciplinary and inter-professional focus that covers a broad range of topics relevant to physicians and other healthcare specialists.

SMJ // Article

Editorial

The Brugada Syndrome: An Elusive Diagnosis

Authors: Jack P. Chen, MD, FACC, FSCAI, FCCP

Abstract

In 1992, the brothers Brugada described a rare electrocardiographic pattern of right bundle branch block associated with ST-segment elevation in leads V1 to V3.1 Clinical (Table) and electrocardiographic criteria are delineated, and diagnosis is made when one from each category is present. Individuals with this condition, many with apparently structurally normal hearts, are at risk of ventricular tachyarrhythmic- (ventricular fibrillation or polymorphic ventricular tachycardia) induced sudden cardiac death (SCD). Other associated arrhythmias include atrial fibrillation or supraventricular tachycardia. A rare entity, the Brugada syndrome is most commonly seen in Asian males in the third decade of life.2

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References

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