Arrhythmia detection using an implantable loop recorder after a negative electrophysiology study in Brugada syndrome: Observations from a multicenter international registry.
Heart Rhythm 2024:S1547-5271(24)00238-8. [PMID:
38458509 DOI:
10.1016/j.hrthm.2024.03.003]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Risk stratification in Brugada syndrome (BrS) remains controversial. In this respect, the role of the electrophysiology study (EPS) has been a subject of debate. In some centers, it is common practice to use an implantable loop recorder (ILR) after a negative EPS to help in risk stratification. However, the diagnostic value of this approach has never been specifically addressed.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to describe the baseline characteristics and the main findings of a diagnostic workup strategy with an ILR after a negative EPS in BrS.
METHODS
We conducted a retrospective international registry including patients with BrS and negative EPS (ie, noninducible ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation) before ILR monitoring.
RESULTS
The study included 65 patients from 8 referral hospitals in The Netherlands, Spain, and the United Kingdom (mean age, 39 ± 16 years; 72% male). The main indication for ILR monitoring was unexplained syncope/presyncope (66.2%). During a median follow-up of 39.0 months (Q1 25.0-Q3 47.6 months), 18 patients (27.7%) experienced 21 arrhythmic events (AEs). None of the patients died during follow-up. Bradyarrhythmias were the most common finding (47.6%), followed by atrial tachyarrhythmias (38.1%). Only 3 patients presented with ventricular arrhythmias. AEs were considered incidental in 12 patients (66.7%). In 11 patients (61.1%), AEs led to specific changes in treatment.
CONCLUSION
The use of ILR after a negative EPS in BrS is a safe strategy that reflected the high negative predictive value of EPS for ventricular arrhythmia in this syndrome. In addition, it allowed the detection of AEs in a significant proportion of patients, with therapeutic implications in most of them.
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