Unexplained syncope, Brugada-like ECG and minimal structural right ventricular abnormalities: which is the right diagnosis?

Abstract

We describe a 65-year-old man with unexplained syncope, Brugada ECG pattern and right ventricular abnormalities. To reach a diagnosis of Brugada syndrome, a variety of diseases have to be excluded. This case report shows how difficult the differential diagnosis is, particularly with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, after documentation of minimal structural RV abnormalities; invasive examination may be required. In this case, three-dimensional electroanatomical bipolar voltage mapping revealed a scar area in the right ventricle in the absence of clear-cut kinetic abnormalities, but the sensitivity of this method and specificity in patients without confirmed arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy have not been defined.