A tricky electrocardiogram: cocaine induced Brugada type 2 phenocopy

Background: The pharmacological effects of cocaine have been associated with different types of cardiac dysrhythmias and with Brugada pattern on the ECG, but currently only type 1 pattern has been described. We report a case of a transient Brugada type 2 pattern in a young cocaine abuser. Method: We report the clinical presentation of a 32-year-old male with a history of cocaine abuse. Result: The treatment and the resolution of the acute phase have been described; moreover we discuss the pathophysiology of the Brugada phenocopy in this specificclinical setting. Conclusion: The clinical impact of our case report underscores the necessity of prompt physician awareness of any ECG abnormality besides myocardial infarction in patients with cocaine abuse, such as any Brugada pattern, which could lead to ominous ventricular arrhythmias.