Ventricular fibrillation in a patient with prominent J (Osborn) waves and ST segment elevation in the inferior electrocardiographic leads: a Brugada syndrome variant?

J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol. 2000 Jan;11(1):95-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1540-8167.2000.tb00743.x.

Abstract

Recurrent ventricular fibrillation was observed in a 29-year-old Vietnamese man who did not exhibit structural heart disease. The patient's ECG showed prominent J (Osborn) waves and ST segment elevation in the inferior leads that were not associated with hypothermia, serum electrolyte disturbance, or myocardial ischemia. Rate-dependent change in the amplitude of J waves and ST segment elevation also were observed. An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) was implanted. Adjunctive treatment with amiodarone reduced J wave amplitude, preventing ventricular fibrillation and ICD shocks. Prominent J waves and ST segment elevation in the inferior leads may serve as an important diagnostic sign to detect high-risk individuals with a history of unexplained syncope. ICD implantation plus amiodarone is the treatment of choice.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Amiodarone / therapeutic use
  • Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / therapeutic use
  • Circadian Rhythm
  • Defibrillators, Implantable
  • Electrocardiography*
  • Heart Arrest / etiology*
  • Heart Arrest / therapy
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Resuscitation
  • Ventricular Fibrillation / complications*
  • Ventricular Fibrillation / physiopathology*
  • Ventricular Fibrillation / prevention & control
  • Ventricular Fibrillation / therapy

Substances

  • Anti-Arrhythmia Agents
  • Amiodarone