Type I Brugada-Like Pattern with Arrhythmia in Severe Anemia

Abstract

Introduction: Brugada syndrome (BrS) has been described as an inherited cardiac disorder due to gene mutations, which contributes to sudden cardiac death, especially in Southeast Asians. Brugada phenocopy, which has the same pattern caused by etiologies such as metabolic disorder, is potentially reversible and avoids unnecessary implantable medical devices. Case Presentation: We reported a rare case of Brugada phenocopy in a 60-years-old Indonesian male with severe anemia and a history of chronic urinary tract bleeding and hemorrhoid. Brugada phenocopy, widely known as BrS look-alike, has been linked to sodium, potassium, and calcium channel dysfunction. This condition is uncommon and has been related to metabolic conditions such as anemia. Iron deficiency anemia induces ischemia in the myocardium and degrades the calcium channels. During the transfusion, hypocalcemia precipitates temporary arrhythmia with right ventricular outflow tract origin, which reverts after the hypocalcemia has been treated. Conclusion: Due to the possibility of altered ion channels and how rarely hypocalcemia induces arrhythmia, this makes understanding the pathogenesis of Brugada phenocopy essential. Though caution is necessary, early recognition can improve prognosis as Brugada phenocopy is potentially reversible.