Brugada Phenocopy Induced by Electrocution: About a Case
Author(s):
M.ABDELBAKI, Z. BENNOUI
Brugada Syndrome (BrS) is an inherited channelopathy secondary to a sodium channel defect (SCN5A), predisposing to ventricular arrhythmia and sudden death. The BrS electrocardiogram is often dynamic and can change from a type 1 to a type 2 pattern, passing through periods of normalisation. The term Brugada phenocopy was proposed by Pérez-Riera et al to describe the electrocardiographic aspect of Brugada observed in other situations, such as acute myocarditis, muscular dystrophy, or secondary to other agents such as electrocution, the taking of drugs such as psychotropic drugs, prolonged exposure to cold or carbon monoxide intoxication. Electrocution can cause serious cardiovascular damage, in particular malignant ventricular arrhythmias. We report the case of a 59-year-old patient who consulted the emergency ward for a cardiac work-up following electrocution. An ECG was performed, which revealed a transient Brugada type 1.
In this case, we discuss the diagnostic procedures for this channelopathy, which carries a risk of ventricular rhythm disorders and sudden death, and the therapeutic management.