Electrocardiographic Markers Indicating Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Conduction Delay as a Predictor of Major Arrhythmic Events in Patients With Brugada Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

IntroductionRisk stratification in Brugada Syndrome (BrS) patients is still challenging due to the heterogeneity of clinical presentation; thus, some additional risk markers are needed. Several studies investigating the association between RVOT conduction delay sign on electrocardiography (ECG) and major arrhythmic events (MAE) in BrS patients showed inconclusive results. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the association between RVOT conduction delay signs presented by aVR sign and large S wave in lead I, and MAE in BrS patients.MethodsThe literature search was performed using several online databases from the inception to March 16th, 2022. We included studies consisting of two main components, including ECG markers of RVOT conduction delay (aVR sign and large S wave in lead I) and MAE related to BrS (syncope/VT/VF/SCD/aborted SCD/appropriate ICD shocks)ResultsMeta-analysis of eleven cohort studies with a total of 2,575 participants showed RVOT conduction delay sign was significantly associated with MAE in BrS patients [RR = 1.87 (1.35, 2.58); p < 0.001; I2= 52%, Pheterogeneity = 0.02]. Subgroup analysis showed that aVR sign [RR = 2.00 (1.42, 2.83); p < 0.001; I2= 0%, Pheterogeneity = 0.40] and large S wave in lead I [RR = 1.74 (1.11, 2.71); p = 0.01; I2= 60%, Pheterogeneity = 0.01] were significantly associated with MAE. Summary receiver operating characteristics analysis revealed the aVR sign [AUC: 0.77 (0.73–0.80)] and large S wave in lead I [AUC: 0.69 (0.65–0.73)] were a good predictor of MAE in BrS patients.ConclusionRVOT conduction delay sign, presented by aVR sign and large S wave in the lead I, is significantly associated with an increased risk of MAE in BrS patients. Hence, we propose that these parameters may be useful as an additional risk stratification tool to predict MAE in BrS patients.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/#recordDetails, identifier: CRD42022321090.

Twelve-Lead ECG, Holter Monitoring Parameters, and Genetic Testing in Brugada Syndrome: Insights from Analysis of Multigenerational Family with a History of Sudden Cardiac Arrest during Physical Activity

“…In the analyzed group of patients, we observed a higher occurrence of aVR sign in the resting ECG in patients with BrS compared to patients with negative SCBT, expanding the findings of the previous study which reported aVR sign only in BrS patients with spontaneous type 1 BrS ECG pattern [53]. It should be underlined that aVR sign is associated with a worse prognosis (arrhythmic events) in patients with BrS [33,54].…”

CineECG analysis provides new insights into Familial ST-segment Depression Syndrome

“…In BrS, conduction delay is associated with accumulation of adipocytes and interstitial fibrosis in the RVOT area, which is seen as a predictor of major arrhythmic events in patients with BrS. 22 It is possible that similar mechanisms exist in Fam-STD, however, additional evidence from e.g. comprehensive histological cardiac examination, advanced mapping and imaging, in vitro modelling, etc.…”