Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
2924899 | Heart Rhythm | 2007 | 4 Pages |
BackgroundRisk stratification in Brugada syndrome (BS) is controversial, especially in asymptomatic individuals.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the significance of lead aVR in patients with BS.MethodsTwenty-four patients with the electrocardiogram pattern of BS (24 male, mean age 32.1 ± 13.6 years) and 24 healthy age- and gender-matched controls were studied.ResultsThirteen patients were symptomatic. The R-wave amplitude or R/q ratio in lead aVR was significantly greater in patients experiencing a recurrence compared with those who did not. The aVR sign was defined as R wave ≥ 0.3 mV or R/q ≥ 0.75 in lead aVR. Most of the recurrences (78%) were in patients with present aVR sign; 84% of BS patients with present aVR sign had events during follow-up. In contrast, only 27% of BS patients with absent aVR sign had events during follow-up.ConclusionOur study shows significant correlation between a prominent R wave in lead aVR (aVR sign) and risk for development of arrhythmic events in BS. In the presence of BS, prominent R wave in lead aVR may reflect more right ventricular conduction delay and subsequently more electrical heterogeneity, which in turn is responsible for a higher risk of arrhythmia.