Exercise ECG unmasked Brugada sign: manifestation of the risk of sports-associated sudden cardiac arrest (RCD code: V-1A.1)

Sports‑associated sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) constitutes an important problem. Causes of SCA during sport activities include Brugada syndrome (BrS) among others. We describe a 29‑year‑old male, without a history of cardiovascular disease, who suffered from SCA during football training and despite intensive treatment, after almost 4 weeks of hospitalization, unfortunately died. Detailed medical documentation review showed grade I atrioventricular block, intraventricular conduction abnormalities and BrS type 2 morphology of ST-segment elevation on resting 12‑lead electrocardiogram (ECG). The patient had a history of syncope during physical activity. Further echocardiographic study did not reveal significant structural heart disease. Submaximal exercise testing was performed and showed ventricular extrasystoles during physical activity and type 1 BrS morphology of ST-segment elevation during recovery phase. We compared observed ECG changes to those present in a healthy football player and described noticeable similarities. Exercise ECG testing, especially in patients after syncope of probable arrhythmic etiology, may unmask BrS ECG pattern and lead to BrS diagnosis. JRCD 2017; 3 (3): 92–97.