'Brugada ECG' elicited by imipramine overdose
Abstract:
The ECG hallmark of the Brugada syndrome is ST-segment elevation in the right precordial leads. However, a 'Brugada ECG' may also occasionally be caused by other conditions. We report a case of a Brugada ECG due to an overdose of imipramine, a tricyclic antidepressant. The patient, a 66-year-old woman, was admitted to the emergency unit in a comatose state, due to autointoxication with imipramine. In addition to other signs of massive sodium-channel blockade, the ECG showed typical ST-segment elevation in the right precordial and the inferior leads. The abnormalities resolved quickly after administration of sodium bicarbonate.
Related Concept Videos
ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias
Electrocardiogram
Three major waveforms are present in a typical ECG recording: the P wave, the QRS complex, and...
Dysrhythmias IV: Characteristics of Bradyarrhythmias
Disturbances in Heart Rhythm
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...
Cardiac Action Potential
The cardiac action potential process involves a series of phases characterized by the movement of ions across the cardiac cell membranes, leading to the depolarization and repolarization of the cardiac myocytes.
Ionic Basis of Cardiac Action Potentials
ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias I: Sinus Arrhythmias
Types of Arrhythmias
Sinus Node Arrhythmias
Sinus Bradycardia: Originating from the sinoatrial (SA) node, sinus bradycardia involves slower impulses, resulting in a heart rate of less than 60 beats per minute (bpm). Causes include sleep, vagal stimulation, beta-blockers, hypothyroidism,...


