Intravenous administration of class I antiarrhythmic drugs induced T wave alternans in a patient with Brugada syndrome

J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol. 2001 Apr;12(4):493-5. doi: 10.1046/j.1540-8167.2001.00493.x.

Abstract

A 71-year-old man who experienced aborted sudden death was referred to our hospital. Coronary artery disease and cerebral accident were ruled out by conventional tests. The 12-lead ECG obtained at rest showed a right bundle branch block pattern and ST segment elevation in leads V1 to V3. Double ventricular extrastimuli at coupling intervals >180 msec induced ventricular fibrillation (VF) twice during electrophysiologic study. Intravenous administration of procainamide accentuated ST segment elevation in leads V1 to V3, and visible T wave alternans was induced in leads V2 and V3 at a dose of 450 mg. Initiation of T wave alternans was not associated with changes of the cardiac cycle or development of premature beats. When procainamide infusion was discontinued, T wave alternans disappeared before the elevated ST segment returned to the control level. Pilsicainide also accentuated ST segment elevation and induced similar T wave alternans in leads V2 and V3. Class I antiarrhythmic drug-related T wave alternans has been reported rarely in Brugada syndrome, but it may represent enhanced arrhythmogenicity of VF. We need to monitor closely and study the clinical implications of T wave alternans in Brugada syndrome.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Anti-Arrhythmia Agents*
  • Bundle-Branch Block / complications
  • Bundle-Branch Block / diagnosis*
  • Bundle-Branch Block / physiopathology*
  • Bundle-Branch Block / surgery
  • Cardiac Pacing, Artificial
  • Defibrillators, Implantable
  • Electrocardiography
  • Electrophysiology
  • Humans
  • Injections, Intravenous
  • Male
  • Procainamide*
  • Syndrome
  • Ventricular Fibrillation / etiology

Substances

  • Anti-Arrhythmia Agents
  • Procainamide