Cocaine-Induced Unmasking of Brugada Syndrome: A Case Report

Hamza Karmouchi, Mehdi Belhakim, Maha Bouziane and Meriem Haboub

Department of Cardiology, Ibn Rochd University Hospital, Morocco

^*Correspondance to: Hamza Karmouchi 

 PDF  Full Text Case Report | Open Access

Abstract:

Brugada Syndrome (BrS) is a genetic disorder that increases the risk of sudden cardiac death due to irregular heart rhythms. Many people with this condition show no symptoms, and it is usually identified when an electrocardiogram (ECG) shows distinctive changes. In some instances, specific events like fever or drug use can bring the syndrome to light. Cocaine use is known to precipitate arrhythmic events in susceptible individuals and can unmask latent BrS. We present the case of a 26-year-old male with a history of unexplained syncope, who presented with another syncopal episode after cocaine use. ECG revealed a Type 1 Brugada pattern, and the patient was subsequently diagnosed with BrS. An Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD) was implanted to prevent sudden cardiac death. This case highlights the importance of considering BrS in patients with unexplained syncope, especially in the context of drug use. It also emphasizes the need to differentiate between true BrS and Brugada phenocopies for proper management, particularly regarding the use of ICDs in high-risk patients.

Keywords:

Keywords: Brugada syndrome; Cocaine use; Syncope

Cite the Article:

Karmouchi H, Belhakim M, Bouziane M, Haboub M. Cocaine-Induced Unmasking of Brugada Syndrome: A Case Report. Ann Clin Case Rep. 2024; 9: 2687..