DOI: https://doi.org/10.14710/dmj.v15i5.54093

TYPE 1 BRUGADA ELECTROCARDIOGRAM PATTERN IN PATIENT WITH RECURRENT HYPOKALEMIA : A CASE REPORT

*Melinda Veronica  -  Department of Internal Medicine, Sultan Fatah General Hospital, Demak, Indonesia
Yaya Suryana  -  Department of Internal Medicine, Sultan Fatah General Hospital, Demak, Indonesia
Open Access Copyright 2026 Melinda Veronica
Creative Commons License This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

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Abstract

Background: Brugada syndrome is a rare and potentially fatal arrhythmogenic disease characterized by ST-segment elevation in the right precordial lead.1–3  The Brugada electrocardiogram pattern can be triggered by different conditions, such as hypokalemia. Hypokalemia is characterized by a decreased level of potassium in the blood. The causes of hypokalemia vary, leading to different therapeutic approaches depending on the mechanism. Hypokalemia is known to potentially trigger arrhythmias. Therefore, recurrent hypokalemia with the electrocardiogram pattern of Brugada raises questions about their correlation. Case Illustration: A 22-year-old male presented to the Emergency Room at Sultan Fatah General Hospital with weakness in all four extremities. An electrocardiogram was performed, which revealed an elevation of the ST-segment in leads V1-V3. Further history-taking indicated no clinical signs or symptoms of arrhythmia, syncope, or sudden death in the patient's complaint, past medical history, or family history. Physical examination showed motor strength in the upper and lower extremities with a symmetrical value of 4 on both the right and left sides. Laboratory tests confirmed severe hypokalemia. The patient was admitted and received parenteral and oral potassium correction. Conclusion: Hypokalemia can trigger arrhythmias, one of which is the type 1 Brugada electrocardiogram pattern. Understanding the relationship between hypokalemia and Brugada syndrome can help medical professionals identify, manage, and educate patients and their families about the condition. This will ensure that the patients receive appropriate treatment for the underlying cause and enable early detection of the risk of sudden death.

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Keywords: Phenocopy;Brugada syndrome; Hypokalemia;Potassium

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Section: Case Report
Language : EN
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