Cannabinoid-Induced Brugada Syndrome: A Case Report

Abstract

Brugada syndrome, also called Pokkuri Death Syndrome, is an autosomal dominant electrophysiological phenomenon that increases the risk of spontaneous ventricular tachyarrhythmia and sudden cardiac death. Due to sodium channel mutations in the cardiac membrane, most commonly SCN5A and SCN10A, the heart can be triggered into a fatal arrhythmia. Brugada syndrome can be triggered by fever, and medications including antiarrhythmics, psychotropics, and recreational drugs like cocaine and marijuana. We report a case that demonstrates the diagnosis of Brugada syndrome in an otherwise very healthy 22year-old African-American male. He presented after a syncopal event and developed spontaneous ventricular tachycardia and torsades de pointes. Electrocardiogram (EKG) findings documented a type I Brugada pattern and, once stabilized, the patient underwent an internal cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) placement.

Vaping tetrahydrocannabinol unmasks Brugada pattern and induces ventricular fibrillation in Brugada syndrome: a case report

“…There are several reported cases showing an association between cannabis and Brugada pattern. 5–7 , 11–14 Two cases reported THC as possible triggers of ventricular fibrillation in Brugada syndrome, 7 , 14 similar to our patient. Our case emphasizes the potentially fatal and malignant effects of THC on Brugada syndrome patients; however, the mechanism of THC-induced Brugada pattern is unclear.…”

Sudden Death in Adults: A Practical Flow Chart for Pathologist Guidance

“…For this reason, its assumption may generate SD [ 113 ]. Other recreational drugs such as heroin [ 114 ], marijuana [ 115 ], potent synthetic cannabinoids [ 116 ], as well as psychotropic drugs consumed by young people [ 117 ] may be related to SDs. Moreover, the proportion of users of recreational drugs was unexpectedly high, even more prevalent than other cardiovascular risk factors.…”