J-wave syndromes: Brugada and early repolarization syndromes

Heart Rhythm. 2015 Aug;12(8):1852-66. doi: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2015.04.014. Epub 2015 Apr 11.

Abstract

A prominent J wave is encountered in a number of life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia syndromes, including the Brugada syndrome and early repolarization syndromes. Brugada syndrome and early repolarization syndromes differ with respect to the magnitude and lead location of abnormal J waves and are thought to represent a continuous spectrum of phenotypic expression termed J-wave syndromes. Despite two decades of intensive research, risk stratification and the approach to therapy of these 2 inherited cardiac arrhythmia syndromes are still undergoing rapid evolution. Our objective in this review is to provide an integrated synopsis of the clinical characteristics, risk stratifiers, and molecular, ionic, cellular, and genetic mechanisms underlying these 2 fascinating syndromes that have captured the interest and attention of the cardiology community in recent years.

Keywords: Cardiac arrhythmias; Early repolarization; Inherited cardiac arrhythmias syndromes; J wave; ST-segment elevation; Sudden cardiac death; Ventricular fibrillation; Ventricular tachycardia.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Arrhythmias, Cardiac / genetics*
  • Arrhythmias, Cardiac / physiopathology*
  • Brugada Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Brugada Syndrome / genetics
  • Brugada Syndrome / physiopathology
  • Cardiac Conduction System Disease
  • Electrocardiography
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Heart Conduction System / physiopathology*
  • Heart Ventricles / physiopathology*
  • Humans
  • Risk Factors
  • Syndrome