Brugada syndrome 2012.
Brugada syndrome (BS) is a cardiac disorder characterized by typical ECG alterations, and it is associated with a high risk for sudden cardiac death (SCD), affecting young subjects with structurally normal hearts. The prevalence of this disorder is still uncertain, presenting marked geographical differences. The syndrome has a genetic basis, and several mutations have been identified in genes encoding subunits of cardiac sodium, potassium, and calcium channels, as well as in genes involved in the trafficking or regulation of these channels. Most BS patients are asymptomatic, but those who develop symptoms present with syncope and/or SCD secondary to polymorphic ventricular tachycardia and/or ventricular fibrillation. Risk stratification is still challenging, especially in cases of asymptomatic BS patients. This is a brief review of recent advances in our understanding of the genetic and molecular bases of BS, arrhythmogenic mechanisms and clinical course, as well as an update of the tools for risk stratification and treatment of the condition.
Arrhythmia Section, Cardiology Department, Thorax Institute, Hospital Clínic, Institut de Investigació Biomèdica August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS) University of Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. jbrugada@clinic.ub.es
Paola
P
Berne
Josep
J
Brugada
D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D053840:Brugada Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics / Q000401:mortality / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D016757:Death, Sudden, Cardiac / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D017147:Defibrillators, Implantable; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004554:Electric Countershock / Q000295:instrumentation; D004562:Electrocardiography; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans; D009154:Mutation; D010641:Phenotype; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents