Electrocardiographically characterized by a distinct ST-segment elevation in the right precordial leads, Brugada syndrome (Br S) is an arrhythmogenic disease reported to be responsible for at least 4% of all sudden deaths (at least 20% of sudden deaths in those without structural heart disease), and is a leading cause of death in subjects under the age of forty years. Global prevalence of the Br S varies from 5% to 20% in every 10, 000 inhabitants worldwide, and it is considered endemic in Asian and Southeast Asian countries. The diagnosis is mainly based on electrocardiographic features and may be hampered by incomplete penetrance, particularly because of dynamic ECG manifestations. As far as we know, inheritance occurs via an autosomal dominant mode of transmission, and about eighteen genes have been associated with Br S; thus far, genetic abnormalities are found in 30-50% of genotyped Br S patients. Mutations in the cardiac sodium channel gene SCN5A are identified in 11-28% of patients with Br S, with over 300 different mutations of SCN5A having been identified as the list still grows. Because a genotype remains lacking for at least half of Br S probands, a negative genetic test does not rule out Br S. Febrile states, dysionia and many drugs such as vagotonic agents, sodium channel blockers, a-adrenergic agonists, b-adrenergic blockers, antidepressants, and alcohol and cocaine toxicity may unmask the electrocardiographic concealed ECG manifestations of Br S. Identifying patients with Br S at risk of malignant arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death remains the most important objective and therefore the fundamental question remains on the best strategy for assessing the real disease-associated arrhythmic risk, especially in asymptomatic patients. The therapeutic approach for patients with Br S is centered on the prevention of cardiac arrest and syncopal events due to ventricular arrhythmias. Lifestyle changes, such as never using drugs that may potentially induce ventricular arrhythmias and an immediate treatment of fever, should be recommended in all patients with diagnosis of Br S. Some drugs have been tested in Br S patients, but controlled data and/or randomized studies proving their real effective have not been performed. Currently, the cornerstone of therapy for the prevention of sudden cardiac death (SCD) is an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). An accurate individual risk stratification to select patients for ICD implantation should be accurately performed, particularly in asymptomatic patients. Lastly, catheter ablation of the substrate located in the anterior epicardial region of the right ventricular outflow tract may be considered in patients with a history of arrhythmic storms or repeated appropriate ICD shocks. The study of the areas of delayed depolarization in patients with Br S and the procedure of catheter ablation of the substrate located in the anterior epicardial region therefore opens new horizons in regards to the management of patients with extremely frequent ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation (VT/VF), for patients at high risk who refuse the implantation of an ICD, and for a better prognostic stratification of patients with Br S not classified as high risk for SCD.
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