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Recurrent syncope: an unusual presentation of Brugada syndrome

Nature Clinical Practice Cardiovascular Medicine volume 3, pages 573–577 (2006)Cite this article

Abstract

Background A 55-year-old man presented at hospital with recurrent syncope. He did not have any prodromic symptoms and did not report having palpitations, dizziness or chest pain before, during or after the syncopal episodes. He had no family history of either syncope or sudden cardiac death. The patient was initially diagnosed with carotid sinus hypersensitivity and received a dual-chamber, rate-modulated pacemaker. Several months later, he presented at hospital again having had two more syncopal episodes.

Investigations Physical examination, electrocardiography, echocardiography, cerebral CT scan, and carotid sinus massage.

Diagnosis Syncope associated with Brugada syndrome.

Management Implantation of a cardioverter-defibrillator.

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Figure 1: A baseline 12-lead electrocardiogram taken when the patient initially presented at (A) a secondary hospital and (B) the arrhythmia unit of our hospital.
Figure 2: An electrocardiogram recorded during a carotid sinus massage on the patient's left side.
Figure 3: A baseline electrocardiogram taken 2 years after the patient's initial presentation, when he was admitted to hospital for a second time.
Figure 4: An electrocardiogram recording of ventricular fibrillation taken during follow-up.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. cardiologist in the Arrhythmia Unit of Hospital Clínic,

    Begoña Benito & Josep Brugada

  2. Director of the Thorax Institute of Hospital Clínic and Professor of Medicine at the University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain

    Begoña Benito & Josep Brugada

Authors
  1. Begoña Benito
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  2. Josep Brugada
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Josep Brugada.

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The authors declare no competing financial interests.

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Cite this article

Benito, B., Brugada, J. Recurrent syncope: an unusual presentation of Brugada syndrome. Nat Rev Cardiol 3, 573–577 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1038/ncpcardio0677

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/ncpcardio0677

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