Brugada Syndrome vs Pattern: What You Should Know

Mayo Clinic electrophysiologist Suraj Kapa, M.D., discusses the diagnosis and treatment of Brugada syndrome. Visit www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-co... for more information on Brugada syndrome or to request an appointment.
Brugada syndrome is a heart rhythm disorder that can potentially be life-threatening. It is estimated that 0.1% to 0.6% of the population carries the genetic characteristics that can put them at risk for Brugada syndrome. It is important to understand the difference between a Brugada pattern and the Brugada syndrome as many patients may have an electrocardiogram (ECG) that shows Brugada, but that does not necessarily mean they are at risk for sudden death.
Diagnosis of Brugada syndrome can be difficult as there are other syndromes and diseases such as arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia and right bundle branch block that can look like a Brugada pattern on ECG. It is important to understand that not all ECGs from a patient will reveal the Brugada pattern as they sometimes only appear under conditions of stress such as fevers or anesthesia exposure. Reviewing all ECGs is necessary when making a diagnosis as not all baseline ECGs will show Brugada.
Treating Brugada syndrome can be challenging. Although ablation has shown to reduce Brugada symptoms, it does not always replace the need for an ICD, especially in high-risk patients. In patients with no apparent symptoms, it’s important to have a discussion with the patient to determine the best treatment options and associated risks.
Video Content Outline:
• Introduction
• What is Brugada Syndrome (0:21)
• Challenges in making a diagnosis (1:55)
• Steps in making a diagnosis (4:17)
• Treatment (5:38)
• Why not ablation (10:22)
• Future of Brugada (12:24)
• Conclusion (14:50)