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Brugada Phenotype Following a Cocaine Overdose
Ammar F Chauhdri1,2, Patrick Bruss1, Alvin Tran1
1Emergency Medicine, ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital, Monroe, USA.
Cureus
|August 5, 2024
Summary
Cocaine use can induce Brugada-like electrocardiogram patterns, mimicking Brugada syndrome. This case highlights the importance of distinguishing drug-induced changes from true Brugada syndrome for proper patient management.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Clinical Electrophysiology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Brugada syndrome is a genetic cardiac condition linked to SCN5A mutations, causing fatal arrhythmias.
- Acquired Brugada syndrome can be triggered by various factors, including illicit drug use.
- Cocaine is known to affect cardiac ion channels and cellular communication.
Observation:
- A 31-year-old female presented with unresponsiveness after cocaine use.
- She developed type 1 Brugada ECG patterns, incomplete right bundle branch block, ST elevations, and repolarization abnormalities.
- These changes occurred while in the intensive care unit.
Findings:
- Cocaine use can precipitate Brugada-like electrocardiogram findings.
- The drug's sodium channel blocking properties and potential effects on connexin 43 may contribute to these cardiac effects.
- Differentiating drug-induced ECG changes from true Brugada syndrome is crucial.
Implications:
- Managing drug-induced Brugada-like findings requires careful consideration of patient history and toxicology.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms of cocaine's cardiac toxicity.
- Accurate diagnosis is essential for appropriate patient care and risk stratification.
Keywords:
brugada syndromebrugada type 1cardiotoxicitycocaineconnexin 43ecgelectrolyte abnormalitysodium channelsMore Related Videos
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