Controversial and similar aspects of the Brugada and J wave patterns: The vectorcardiogram point of view-Revision 2.

Background: The J-wave electrocardiographic patterns include early repolarization (ER) and Brugada syndrome; especially when ER is located in the anteroseptal leads (V1-V3), it can mimic the Brugada syndrome (BrS) ECG pattern and therefore mislead the diagnosis. We aimed to define the vectorcardiographic characteristics of BrS and ER using aspects of QRS complex loop, J-point and ST-segment.

Methods/results: Vectorcardiographic loops in the transverse plane (TP) of 14 BrS patients and 26 individuals with ER were analyzed and defined, and then a third group of 17 patients with non-characteristic ECG patterns were analyzed and compared with them. All QRS loops showed end-conduction delay (ECD) located in the right posterior-anterior quadrant (BrS) or left posterior-anterior quadrant (ER). In 100% cases a "break" in the QRS loop end, resembling a "nose" identified BrS, and a "fish-hook" shape identified ER. Non-coincidental QRS complex onset-end defined J-point resulting vector. BrS showed a significantly longer end-conduction delay (100% right anterior quadrant), shorter J-point amplitude oriented to the right, and "nose-like" QRS end loop. Analysis of group 3 confirmed the accuracy of the qualitative aspects to distinguish this "atypical" population: "fish-hook" shape of ER in the transverse plane in 6 individuals; and the "nose" shape of BrS in 14 patients, among which 2 patients had both patterns simultaneously.

Conclusions: Vectorcardiographic characteristics could clearly differentiate BrS from ER qualitatively and quantitatively even in atypical ECGs.