Brugada-type electrocardiogram in a patient with hypothyroidism

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Endocrinology
• Genetics

Background:

• Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough thyroid hormones.
• Brugada syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that affects the heart's electrical system and can cause dangerous arrhythmias.
• Electrocardiograms (ECGs) are used to measure the electrical activity of the heart.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of hypothyroidism presenting with a Brugada-type electrocardiogram (ECG).
• To investigate the potential role of SCN5A gene variants in the manifestation of Brugada-type ECG in hypothyroidism.
• To explore the interaction between thyroid function and cardiac ion channel function.

Main Methods:

• Case study of a 52-year-old male patient diagnosed with primary hypothyroidism.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG) analysis to identify cardiac abnormalities.
• Genetic analysis of the SCN5A gene to detect variants.
• Monitoring of ECG changes following normalization of thyroid function.

Main Results:

• The patient presented with primary hypothyroidism and a Brugada-type ECG, including first-degree atrio-ventricular block and ST-segment elevation in leads V1-V2.
• Genetic analysis revealed three common variants in the SCN5A gene: L1988R, H558R, and R1193Q.
• The Brugada-type ECG pattern resolved upon successful treatment of hypothyroidism and normalization of thyroid function.

Conclusions:

• Hypothyroidism can unmask or induce Brugada-type ECG patterns.
• SCN5A gene variants may predispose individuals to developing Brugada-type ECGs when thyroid function is compromised.
• Thyroid hormones likely play a role in modulating cardiac ion channel function, potentially influenced by SCN5A gene polymorphisms.