Ventricular Fibrillation in an Afebrile COVID-19 Patient Presenting With Transient Type-I Brugada Pattern.

COVID-19 has been associated with an increased risk of both atrial and ventricular arrhythmias. Brugada syndrome (BrS), an inherited sodium channelopathy presenting with a characteristic ECG morphology, confers a baseline risk of ventricular arrhythmias such as ventricular fibrillation (VF), especially during febrile illnesses. However, mimics of BrS, termed Brugada phenocopies (BrP), have been noted in association with fever, electrolyte abnormalities, and toxidromes outside of viral illness. Such presentations manifest the same ECG pattern, the type-I Brugada pattern (type-I BP). Thus, the acute stage of an illness such as COVID-19, when accompanied by a first-time presentation of type-I BP, may not result in a certain diagnosis of BrS versus BrP. Thus, expert recommendations are to anticipate arrhythmia regardless of the presumed diagnosis. Here we demonstrate the importance of these guidelines and a novel report of VF in the setting of a transient type-I BP in afebrile COVID-19. We discuss the potential factors which may have triggered VF, the presentation of isolated "coved" ST elevation in V1, and the difficulty of BrS versus BrP diagnosis in acute illness. In summary, a SARS-CoV-2 positive 65-year-old male without significant cardiac history for BrS presented with type-I BP after two days of shortness of breath. Hypoxemia, hyperkalemia, hyperglycemia, elevated inflammatory markers, and acute kidney injury were present. After treatment, his ECG normalized; however, aborted VF occurred days later while afebrile and normokalemic. Follow-up ECG again revealed a type-I BP, which also became more apparent during an episode of bradycardia, a classic finding in BrS. This case suggests that there is room for larger studies to determine the prevalence and outcomes when type-I BP presents in acute COVID-19. When possible, genetic data should be obtained to confirm BrS, a notable limitation in our case. Regardless, it corroborates guideline-directed clinical management, with heightened vigilance for arrhythmia in such patients until full recovery.

Incidence of ventricular arrhythmias related to COVID infection and vaccination in patients with Brugada syndrome: Insights from a large Italian multicenter registry based on continuous rhythm monitoring.

INTRODUCTION: Brugada syndrome (BrS) has a dynamic ECG pattern that might be revealed by certain conditions such as fever. We evaluated the incidence and management of ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) related to COVID-19 infection and vaccination among BrS patients carriers of an implantable loop recorder (ILR) or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) and followed by remote monitoring. METHODS: This was a multicenter retrospective study. Patients were carriers of devices with remote monitoring follow-up. We recorded VAs 6 months before COVID-19 infection or vaccination, during infection, at each vaccination, and up to 6-month post-COVID-19 or 1 month after the last vaccination. In ICD carriers, we documented any device intervention. RESULTS: We included 326 patients, 202 with an ICD and 124 with an ILR. One hundred and nine patients (33.4%) had COVID-19, 55% of whom developed fever. Hospitalization rate due to COVID-19 infection was 2.76%. After infection, we recorded only two ventricular tachycardias (VTs). After the first, second, and third vaccines, the incidence of non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT) was 1.5%, 2%, and 1%, respectively. The incidence of VT was 1% after the second dose. Six-month post-COVID-19 healing or 1 month after the last vaccine, we documented NSVT in 3.4%, VT in 0.5%, and ventricular fibrillation in 0.5% of patients. Overall, one patient received anti-tachycardia pacing and one a shock. ILR carriers had no VAs. No differences were found in VT before and after infection and before and after each vaccination. CONCLUSIONS: From this large multicenter study conducted in BrS patients, followed by remote monitoring, the overall incidence of sustained VAs after COVID-19 infection and vaccination is relatively low.

COVID-19 associated Brugada pattern electrocardiogram: Systematic review of case reports

Background: Fever is a common clinical manifestation of COVID-19 infection. Fever has also been associated with unmasking Brugada pattern ECG in patients and may result in life-threatening arrhythmia. Little is known regarding COVID-19 associated Brugada pattern ECG. There is paucity of data and guidance in how to manage these patients. Method(s): To identify all published case reports, the latest Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses checklist was followed. A literature search was conducted using PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus through September 2021. A systematic review was performed to identify the incidence, clinical characteristics, and management outcomes of COVID-19 patients with a Brugada pattern ECG. Result(s): A total of 18 cases were collected. The mean age was 47.1 years and 11.1% were women. No patient had prior confirmed diagnosis of Brugada syndrome. The most common presenting clinical symptoms were fever (83.3%), chest pain (38.8%), shortness of breath (38.8%), and syncope (16.6%). All 18 patients presented with type 1 Brugada pattern ECG. Four patients (22.2%) underwent left heart catheterization, and none demonstrated the presence of obstructive coronary disease. The most common reported therapies included antipyretics (55.5%), hydroxychloroquine (27.7%), and antibiotics (16.6%). One patient (5.5%) died during hospitalization. Three patients (16.6%) who presented with syncope received either an implantable cardioverter defibrillator or wearable cardioverter defibrillator at discharge. At follow up, thirteen patients (72.2%) had resolution of type 1 Brugada pattern ECG. Conclusion(s): COVID-19 associated Brugada pattern ECG is rare. Most patients may see resolution of the ECG pattern once their symptoms have improved. Increased awareness and timely use of antipyretics is warranted in this population.

Unmasked type I electrocardiographic pattern of Brugada syndrome after SARS COV-2 (COVID 19) vaccine shot: Is there any relationship with the suspected increased risk of sudden death?

The vaccination used for the prevention of COVID-19 could unmask patients with hidden Brugada syndrome even without febrile episodes. We described a case of unmasking or Brugada syndrome in a female patient after vaccination for COVID-19. A possible relationship with sudden death events requires further study. In people with known Brugada syndrome or in their relatives, we recommend serial electrocardiographic monitoring after the administration of the vaccination dose. Copyright © 2022 Heart, Vessels and Transplantation.

COVID-19 fever induced dynamic Brugada electrocardiogram

We present an interesting case and images of a patient with identified as having Brugada syndrome due to dynamic electrocardiographic (ECG) changes seen during high-grade fever in the context of an associated COVID-19 infection. We show serial ECGs demonstrating dynamic but unusual change from a Brugada Type-1 to a non-Type-1 Brugada pattern, then ultimately having ECG normalisation once the fever had been corrected with antipyretic medication. This case and set of images illustrate how ECG was helpful in successfully identifying a COVID-19 patient with underlying Brugada syndrome, thus enabling simple but appropriate management and risk-stratification. © 2022 Carlito Seroje Reyes et al.

To Cool or Not to Cool for Brugada Syndrome

Brugada syndrome (BrS) is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder, characterized by abnormal findings on the electrocardiogram (ECG) in conjunction with an increased risk of ventricular tachycardia (VT) and sudden cardiac death. Triggers of the ECG pattern and VT in BrS include fevers, drugs, and electrolyte abnormalities. This case reports a unique treatment approach of targeted temperature management (TTM) to treat persistent fevers and VT secondary to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in a patient with BrS. We report the case of a 23 year old male with history of BrS with an intracardiac defibrillator (ICD) who presented to the hospital with chest pain and a runny nose. Vital signs upon admission were notable for temperature of 38.2 C, heart rate of 155 beats/minute and blood pressure of 134/110 mmHG. Laboratory values on admission revealed a normal complete blood count, a normal basic metabolic panel, an elevated c-reactive protein (CRP) of 19.1, and PCR confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, with a cycle threshold value of 16.4. ECG revealed a type 2 Brugada pattern. Interrogation of his ICD revealed 28 device shocks on the morning of admission, with each episode beginning with a premature ventricular contraction inciting polymorphic VT. His transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) discovered a newly reduced ejection fraction of 25% with global hypokinesis. Persistent VT prompted intubation and sedation with propofol. Repeat SARS-CoV-2 inflammatory markers revealed a rising CRP of 244. Therapies included acetaminophen around the clock and remdesivir and dexamethasone to target COVID-19. During the first two days in the cardiac intensive care unit (CICU), fevers persisted with Brugada pattern on ECG. Given the potential for recurrent VT, targeted TTM was initiated using the Arctic Sun external cooling device to maintain normothermia to 37 C. After 5 days of no VT, fever curve, Brugada pattern, and inflammatory markers improved. TTM was discontinued, COVID-19 therapies were completed, and he was extubated. His cardiac function normalized on repeat TTE and he was discharged home. We report a unique case of TTM use in a patient with BrS with VT secondary to infection with COVID-19, as a way to decrease fevers and prevent further triggering of VT.

A Case Report of Electrical Storm Post-Covid-19 Vaccination

INTRODUCTION: Post-vaccination arrhythmia is reported as a possible cardiovascular side effect of COVID-19 vaccination. We present a case of ventricular tachycardia (VT) storm in a young healthy man following the 2nd dose of COVID-19 vaccination in the absence of underlying structural heart disease, myocarditis or arrhythmic syndromes. DESCRIPTION: A 38-year-old male with no medical history was admitted after an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and found to be in VT storm within 24 hours of receiving his 2nd dose of COVID-19 vaccination. He received 4 shocks en route and had another episode of pulseless VT on arrival where Amiodarone was initiated. Laboratory values showed elevated inflammatory markers, and COVID tests were negative. Troponin peaked at 1.5 ng/ml. Initial transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) revealed normal left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) without regional wall motion abnormality. On Day 2, he developed VT storm and was given magnesium sulfate, lidocaine and an additional bolus of amiodarone. Repeat TTE revealed a significant decrease in EF. He became hypotensive requiring inotropes and was emergently taken to the cath lab where intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) and temporary transvenous pacing (TVP) were placed. Cardiac catheterization revealed normal coronary arteries, elevated left ventricular end diastolic pressure and mildly dilated LV with global hypokinesis and EF of 30%. His condition slowly improved without further occurrences of VT storm. Follow up TTE revealed normal LVEF, IABP and TVP were removed, and he was extubated. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging showed no evidence of myocarditis with normal LV size. An automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator was placed. Genetic testing for Brugada syndrome was negative. DISCUSSION: VT storm typically occurs with underlying structural heart disease, inherited arrhythmic syndromes or myocarditis, and is often difficult to identify a specific trigger. Although this is the first case report of VT storm occurring after the COVID-19 vaccine, it is important to note that the lack of a definitive test to diagnose myocarditis such as biopsy is a major limiting factor. This case report also supports the need for structured studies regarding a possible relationship between VT storm and COVID-19 vaccination.

COVID-19 Vaccination-Induced Ventricular Fibrillation in an Afebrile Patient With Brugada Syndrome.

A 43-year-old man presented with cardiac arrest 2 days after the second coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination with an mRNA vaccine. Electrocardiograms showed ventricular fibrillation and type 1 Brugada pattern ST segment elevation. The patient reported having no symptoms, including febrile sensation. There were no known underlying cardiac diseases to explain such electrocardiographic abnormalities. ST segment elevation completely disappeared in two weeks. Although there were no genetic mutations or personal or family history typical of Brugada syndrome, flecainide administration induced type 1 Brugada pattern ST segment elevation. This case suggests that COVID-19 vaccination may induce cardiac ion channel dysfunction and cause life threatening ventricular arrhythmias in specific patients with Brugada syndrome.

EHRA 2022 Abstract

The proceedings contain 629 papers. The topics discussed include: digitalized ECG measure of p-wave duration predicts incident heart failure;diagnostic value of Peguero Lo Presti Electrocardiografic index for diagnosis of left ventricle hypertrophy in correlation with cardiovascular magnetic resonance;electrocardiography: an useful tool for prediction of the diagnosis and severity of pulmonary embolism;association between excessive supraventricular ectopic activity and future diagnosis of atrial fibrillation in patients with cryptogenic stroke;low-level vagus nerve stimulation during cardiac surgery: smart neuromodulation;a polymorphism in histidine-rich calcium binding protein as second hit in phospholamban cardiomyopathy;genetic predisposition according to the age at the onset of atrial fibrillation;familial clustering of unexplained heart failure - a Danish nationwide cohort study;and fever following covid-19 vaccination in subjects with Brugada syndrome: incidence and management.

Electrical Storm in a Patient with Brugada Syndrome and Coronavirus Disease 2019.

Brugada syndrome (BrS) is an inherited arrhythmia syndrome characterized by right bundle branch block and dynamic ST-segment changes in precordial leads V1-V3. In patients with BrS, fever is a known trigger that may induce arrhythmia. For patients with BrS who contract coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the inflammatory response poses the risk of causing ventricular arrhythmias. The following case discusses the management of a patient with BrS presenting with electrical storm after contracting COVID-19. Treatment should be focused on aggressive anti-pyretic management along with concomitant pharmacological therapy.

Fever following Covid-19 vaccination in subjects with Brugada syndrome: Incidence and management.

BACKGROUND: Fever is a potential side effect of the Covid-19 vaccination. Patients with Brugada syndrome (BrS) have an increased risk of life-threatening arrhythmias when experiencing fever. Prompt treatment with antipyretic drugs is suggested in these patients. AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the incidence and management of fever within 48 h from Covid-19 vaccination among BrS patients. METHODS: One hundred sixty-three consecutive patients were enrolled in a prospective registry involving five European hospitals with a dedicated inherited disease ambulatory. RESULTS: The mean age was 50 ± 14 years and 121 (75%) patients were male. Prevalence of Brugada electrocardiogram (ECG) pattern type-1, -2, and -3 was 32%, 44%, and 24%, respectively. Twenty-eight (17%) patients had an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). Fever occurred in 32 (19%) BrS patients after 16 ± 10 h from vaccination, with a peak of body temperature of 37.9° ± 0.5°. Patients with fever were younger (39 ± 13 vs. 48 ± 13 years, p = .04). No additional differences in terms of sex and cardiovascular risk factors were found between patients with fever and not. Twenty-seven (84%) out of 32 patients experienced mild fever and five (16%) moderate fever. Pharmacological treatment with antipyretic drugs was required in 18 (56%) out of 32 patients and was associated with the resolution of symptoms. No patient required hospital admission and no arrhythmic episode was recorded in patients with ICD within 48 h after vaccination. No induced type 1 BrS ECG pattern and new ECG features were found among patients with moderate fever. CONCLUSION: Fever is a common side effect in BrS patients after the Covid-19 vaccination. Careful evaluation of body temperature and prompt treatment with antipyretic drugs may be needed.

The Arrhythmogenic Face of COVID-19: Brugada ECG Pattern in SARS-CoV-2 Infection.

In 1992, Brugada syndrome (BS) was first described; an often unrecognized cardiac conduction disorder mainly associated with unexplained sudden cardiac arrest and consecutive syncope. Nevertheless, the pathomechanism of BS and sudden cardiac death remains mainly explained. Mutations in the cardiac sodium channels, which cause a reduction or functional loss of these channels, are associated with characteristic electrocardiographic (ECG) abnormalities and malignant arrhythmia. The majority of affected people are previously healthy and unaware of their genetic predisposition for BS and might experience ventricular tachyarrhythmias and cardiac arrest potentially triggered by several factors (e.g., alcohol, sodium channel blockers, psychotropic drugs, and fever). Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was firstly identified in Wuhan in early December 2019 and rapidly spread worldwide as coronavirus disease (COVID-19). COVID-19 is typically characterized by a severe inflammatory response, activation of the immune system, and high febrile illness. Due to this condition, symptomatic COVID-19 infection or vaccination might serve as inciting factor for unmasking the Brugada pattern and represents a risk factor for developing proarrhythmic complications. The aim of this narrative review was to detail the association between virus-related issues such as fever, electrolyte disturbance, and inflammatory stress of COVID-19 infection with transient Brugada-like symptoms and ECG-pattern and its susceptibility to proarrhythmogenic episodes.

Inherited arrhythmias in children with infectious diseases

Introduction: The connection of a number of inherited arrhythmias with febrile body temperature is proved. Due to connection between fever and clinical manifestations (including ECG changes) of inherited arrhythmias there are additional opportunities for diagnostics of these life-threatening arrhythmias in infectious patients (including Covid -19). Methods: 3584 ECGs of children with infectious diseases (average age 8.5±5.3 years old;boys - 57.5%, girls - 42.5%) were analyzed. Patients (pts) with QTc>440 ms or QTc<320 ms, complete right bundle branch block, left bundle branch block or its branches, atrioventricular block, ST elevation in the right precordial leads were given additional examination depending on the intended diagnosis (inherited arrhythmias): daily 12-channel Holter ECG monitoring, stress test, echocardiography. The family history was also clarified (cases of sudden cardiac death, syncope). The diagnosis was made on the basis of generally accepted diagnostic criteria and confirmed by molecular genetic analysis. Results: ECG changes, which are typical for Brugada syndrome (BrS), type 1, were detected in 2 pts (0.05%). Long QT syndrome (LQTS) was detected in 2 pts too. Mutations in the SCN5A gene (exon 16 Arg893Cys, R878H) were identified in pts with BrS and in the KCNQ1 (exon 9 Trp379Ter) with LQTS. In pts with LQTS, sinus tachycardia was registered with the background of increased body temperature, which allowed to reveal long QT interval. 1 pt with LQTS is a female athlete. 1pt with BrS had been previously observed by a cardiologist in connection with grade I atrioventricular block. An increase in body temperature leads to disruption of the sodium ion channels which underlie the development of the BrS. In the case of LQTS, in our study, the increase in the QTc is most likely due to a change in heart rate rather than a direct effect of an increase in body temperature on the ion channels. Conclusions: 1. BrS (type 1) was detected in 2 pts (0.05%) and LQTS in 2 pts (0.05%) at first. We consider that when taking an ECG from pts with fibril body temperature, this percentage may be higher. 2. ECG registration in pts with fever (including athletes) raises the probability of timely inherited arrhythmias diagnosis.

Sudden cardiac death in the pediatric and adolescent population

Each year nearly 7,000 children, adolescents, and young adults in the United States as well as tens of thousands worldwide die unexpectedly. Nearly 50% of these deaths occur with little or no warning. This discussion reviews the epidemiology, presentation, diagnosis, and management of sudden cardiac death (SCD). SCD is predominantly due to previously unrecognized structural abnormalities of the heart and underlying or acquired conditions that predispose persons, especially when involved in exercise, to sudden death. Topics considered include SCD presenting signs, symptoms, diagnoses, and when applicable, management of common conditions associated with SCD.

Brugada phenocopy in the context of a severe COVID-19 infection

Brugada phenocopies are an electrocardiographic pattern with the same morphologhy as the Brugada Synrome type 1 and 2 pattern, in patients with metabolic, ischemic and/or mechanical alterations. This is a 74-year-old patient with a history of Arterial Hypertension, who is admitted to the Intensive Care Unit with a positive diagnosis of COVID-19. He presents mixed acidosis, severe hypoxemia and hyperkalemia and in twelve-lead electrocardiogram a Brugada type 1 pattern (coved). Metabolic disorders, myocardial damage, and ventilation/perfusion alterations in the context of a seriuos infection due to COVID-19 would be the mechanisms responsible for this electrocardiographic pattern in these patient. © 2021, Cuban Society of Cardiology, Cuban Institute of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery. All rights reserved.

EKG changes in severe hypercalcemia mimicking Brugada's syndrome

Case Report A 62-year-old Caucasian, female patient with history of celiac disease and chronic pain s/p spinal cord stimulator presented to our institution to follow up on abnormal lab findings. The patient presented to her PCP with complaints of worsening weakness, nausea, vomiting, constipation, polydipsia, and occasional palpitations. Labs resulted a severely elevated serum calcium level (17 mg/dL), increased BUN (32), and elevated Cr (1.8) indicating acute kidney injury. Full workup was initiated. Vitamin D, 25-Hydroxy level returned greater than 209 and PTH resulted in a normal range of 22. Detailed history revealed that the patient was taking 50,000 units of vitamin D3 by mouth six times/ week for six months. Fear surrounding the current COVID- 19 pandemic prompted the exorbitant intake of vitamin D supplementation in hopes of immune improvement. Bisphosphonate were contraindicated due to AKI.Volume expansion with normal saline and calcitonin successfully decreased the patient's serum calcium. Discussion The diagnostic criteria for reversible Brugada pattern, recently classified as Brugada phenocopy, includes four mandatory components. Primarily, an ECG tracing delineating type 1 or type 2 Brugada morphology. Secondarily, the presence of an underlying condition that is identifiable and reversible. Third, complete resolution of the ECG pattern upon elimination or correction of the underlying condition. Fourth, a low probability for Brugada syndrome determined by the lack of symptoms, clinical history, and family history. Our patient experienced severe hypercalcemia with palpitations that prompted an ECG. The abnormal ECG produced was read independently by two interventional cardiologists and a cardiac electrophysiologist who all concluded the ST segment and T wave deviations were consistent with Brugada pattern type 1. Importantly, the ECG was compared to one from a year prior which showed a normal rate and rhythm. There was complete resolution on repeat ECG once serum calcium was returned to reference range. The patient did not experience Brugada specific symptoms of syncope, seizures, nocturnal agonal breathing, or sudden cardiac death. No family history suggested Brugada syndrome or cardiac issues. Electronic medical record documentation tracked over the last 5 years showed no concerns for prior arrhythmias or syncope. Additionally, the patient does not fit the epidemiological profile of a male of Southeast Asian decent which is classically associated with Brugada syndrome. To our knowledge, this is the first documented presentation of Brugada phenocopy induced by severe hypercalcemia secondary to vitamin D toxicity. Conclusion Although the mechanism is not completely understood, severe hypercalcemia can cause a reversible type 1 Brugada pattern on ECG. Careful consideration of vitamin supplementation must be discussed with patients to avoid potentially fatal cardiac outcomes.

The feasibility of a mail-out 12-lead ECG in a pediatric cardiac electrophysiology telemedicine environment

Introduction: The COVID pandemic has driven an expansion of telemedicine. Telemedicine may be well-suited for pediatric electrophysiology (EP) outpatient consultations. However, an ECG forms part of the standard of care and there is no established strategy for performing a remote 12-lead ECG. Hypothesis: The use of mail-out 12 lead ECG in a pediatric cardiology telemedicine environment is feasible. Methods: Between Nov 2020 and June 2021, select patients with telemedicine EP consultation were offered a mail-out 12 lead ECG (QT Medical, Diamond Bar, CA). The equipment was sent to the patient's home with technical support from both company and the cardiac clinic. ECGs were read and reported on the electronic health record. ECG quality was independently rated by 2 reviewers. Patient experience was recorded via survey (Qualtrics, Seattle, WA). Results: A total of 146 ECG recordings were transmitted in 31 patients [age 13 ± 5 years, 11 female (35%)]. Indications were prior arrhythmia [24 (77%)] or new cardiac symptoms [7 (23%)]. Prior arrhythmia diagnoses included WPW, paced rhythm, Brugada syndrome, ventricular tachycardia, complete heart block, long QT and monitoring of introduction of anti-arrhythmic medication. A median 3 (IQR 3-6) ECGs were recorded per patient. All patients had recordings suitable for clinical decision-making [21 had an 'excellent' recording (68%), 10 'good' (32%), Figure 1]. Total time to perform the ECG (including app set up, application of device and recording transmission) was 46 ± 18 min. 77% found it 'easy' or 'extremely easy' to perform, and 80% were 'confident' or 'moderately confident' in the recording. Median travel time to clinic saved was 62 min (IQR 30-151 min). However, only 33% would prefer to perform the ECG at home rather than in clinic Conclusions: Clinically acceptable pediatric 12-lead ECGs may be performed at home by the patient and family. This technology may be considered for adjunctive use with telemedicine consultation in pediatric EP.