Malignant ventricular arrhythmias induction by programmed electrical stimulation of the right ventricular outflow tract only during type 1 Brugada ECG maximization

N. Alessandri, B.L. Nguyen, F. Tufano, R. Sergiacomi, F. Tersigni, F. Urciuoli, S. De Angelis, A. Dei Giudici

Department of Cardiology, Polo Pontino, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy. nicola.alessandri@uniroma1.it

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• Cardiology

OBJECTIVE: The role of electrophysiology study in Brugada syndrome (BS) sudden cardiac death risk stratification remains controversial and seems to depend on the phenotypic expression of the channelopathy. Ajmaline has a key role in the diagnosis of BS. We observed that programmed electrical stimulation (PES) of the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT), only when type 1 BS ECG is unmasked by ajmaline administration, induces ventricular arrhythmias.

CASE REPORT: We describe a case of ventricular fibrillation induction by PES of the RVOT when type 1 BS ECG is revealed by ajmaline, in a patient with a baseline dynamic intermittent type 1 and 2 BS ECG.

CONCLUSIONS: The heterogeneous clinical presentations of BS are due to the underlying mechanisms. PES of the RVOT during positive ajmaline test maximizes the channelopathy and therefore sudden cardiac death risk-stratification in BS.

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