Brugada-type electrocardiographic pattern induced by cocaine

Mayo Clin Proc. 2000 Aug;75(8):845-9. doi: 10.4065/75.8.845.

Abstract

Right bundle branch block with coved ST-segment elevation in leads V1 through V3 is the electrocardiographic (ECG) marker of the Brugada syndrome. We describe a healthy young man with a normal baseline ECG in whom a transient Brugada pattern was observed repeatedly after recreational cocaine use. Intravenous administration of procainamide and subsequent intravenous propranolol followed by noradrenaline failed to reproduce the Brugada sign. An electrophysiologic study performed in the presence of the Brugada ECG pattern showed no inducible arrhythmias. This case illustrates that, in susceptible individuals, cocaine may provoke the Brugada sign. The clinical importance of this cocaine-induced ECG abnormality is currently unknown.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Inhalation
  • Adult
  • Bundle-Branch Block / chemically induced*
  • Bundle-Branch Block / physiopathology
  • Cocaine / administration & dosage
  • Cocaine / adverse effects*
  • Dopamine Uptake Inhibitors / administration & dosage
  • Dopamine Uptake Inhibitors / adverse effects*
  • Electrocardiography / drug effects
  • Heart Conduction System / drug effects*
  • Heart Conduction System / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Dopamine Uptake Inhibitors
  • Cocaine