Brugada syndrome: From diagnosis to treatment

Abstract

Brugada syndrome is electrocardiographically characterised by ST segment elevation in right precordial leads and the occurrence of episodes of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia. It is also associated with a high risk of sudden death, which may be the first manifestation of the disease. Various mutations of SCN5A gene encoding for the cardiac sodium channel are among the proven causes of BS. ICD remains the only treatment for BS of proven efficacy. However, many questions about etiology, underlying mechanisms, safety of asymptomatic patients and treatment options for BS remain unanswered. (Cardiol J 2007; 14: 429-435)