Abnormal electrocardiogram changes in body surface limb leads: A sign of poor prognosis for brugada syndrome?

Abstract

Background: Simple and effective methods to identify Brugada syndrome patients at high risk have yet to be identified. We aim to explore the methods for evaluation and prediction of Brugada syndrome in patients at high risk of sudden cardiac death. Methods: Twenty-five Brugada syndrome patients were divided into sudden death (SD) group and a non-SD group based of the presence or absence of sudden cardiac death of these patients or their family members. The QRS complex amplitudes in limb leads and the two types of morphological distributions over the limb leads were compared between the two groups. Results: The QRS complex amplitudes of II, avF and avR leads in the SD group were significantly lower than that in the non-SD group. Type 1 and/or Type 2 changes of inferior wall leads in the SD group were significantly higher than those in the non-SD group. Conclusions: This study introduced a new method to identify Brugada syndrome patients at risk of sudden cardiac death. The surface limb leads, in particular, inferior wall leads on electrocardiogram, suggest prognostic implications for Brugada syndrome patients.