Brugada syndrome presenting as an acute coronary syndrome
Ian Buysschaert1, Rudy De Rybel, Karl Dujardin
1Department of Cardiology, Heilig Hartziekenhuis, Roeselare, Belgium.
Insights
Syncope with elevated troponin and normal coronary angiogram can mimic acute coronary syndrome. This case highlights Brugada syndrome as a critical diagnosis in such presentations.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Electrophysiology
- Genetics
Background:
- Syncope, ST-segment alterations, and elevated cardiac troponin (cTn) levels are key indicators for acute coronary syndrome (ACS).
- A normal coronary angiogram typically excludes ACS, but elevated cTn necessitates investigation for alternative life-threatening conditions like pulmonary embolism, myocarditis, or ventricular arrhythmias.
Observation:
- A 42-year-old male presented with syncope, ST-segment elevation, elevated cTn, and a normal coronary angiogram.
- Initial diagnostic workup focused on ruling out acute coronary syndrome.
Findings:
- Despite a normal coronary angiogram, the patient's presentation suggested a cardiac emergency.
- The diagnostic process ultimately identified Brugada syndrome as the underlying cause.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering Brugada syndrome in patients with syncope, ECG changes, and elevated troponin, even with normal coronary arteries.
- Broadening the differential diagnosis beyond ACS is crucial for accurate and timely patient management.
- Recognizing Brugada syndrome can prevent misdiagnosis and guide appropriate therapeutic strategies.
Abstract:
Syncope, non-specific ST-segment alterations and elevated troponin (cTn) are suspicious of an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). While an ACS is excluded when the coronary angiogram returns normal, the raised cTn should prompt a search for other potentially lethal diseases, such as pulmonary embolism, myocarditis or malignant ventricular arrhythmias. Here we describe a 42-year-old man presenting with syncope, ST-segment elevation, cTn rise and a normal angiogram. He was ultimately diagnosed with Brugada syndrome.
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