Diagnostic approach to patients with intermediate or high suspicion for Brugada syndrome*

ECG: electrocardiogram; VT: ventricular tachycardia.

* Brugada syndrome is suspected based on the combination of symptoms and typical Brugada pattern ECG changes (either type 1 or 2). Refer to related UpToDate content for further information.

¶ This is usually done with stress testing, echocardiography, and sometimes with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. The presence of structural heart disease makes Brugada syndrome less likely and points to the structural heart disease as the probable diagnosis.

Δ A drug challenge typically involves giving a sodium channel-blocking medicine in an attempt to elicit the type 1 Brugada ECG pattern. Refer to related UpToDate content for further information.