Similarities and differences of clinical characteristics between Brugada syndrome and early repolarization syndrome

Early repolarization (or J wave) is a common electrocardiographic finding that occurs in 1% to 10% of healthy persons. It has been generally considered benign for decades. However, there is increasing evidence showing that early repolarization is associated with the susceptibility to ventricular fibrillation and sudden cardiac death. Therefore, early repolarization syndrome, or J-wave syndrome, has recently been proposed as a new disease entity. Brugada syndrome is characterized by ST-segment elevation in the right precordial leads (V1 to V3) of a 12-lead electrocardiogram, and is another form of idiopathic ventricular fibrillation associated with J-point elevation. Brugada syndrome and early repolarization syndrome share genetic, clinical, and electrophysiological characteristics, such as causative genes, male dominance, pause-dependent augmentation of J-point elevation, and response to drugs. However, these two diseases also have certain differences. This review focuses on the similarities and differences between Brugada syndrome and early repolarization syndrome, both of which are associated with J-point elevation and sudden cardiac death.