Which Brugada patient deserves continuous ECG monitoring through implantable loop recorder? An evidence update.

Abstract

Brugada syndrome (BrS) is a genetic condition that increases the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias, which can result in sudden cardiac death (SCD). Implantable loop recorders (ILRs) have become a key tool in managing patients with unexplained syncope, and guidelines advise their use in individuals with recurrent, unexplained syncope or palpitations. However, the role of ILRs in inherited arrhythmic conditions like BrS remains a topic of debate. Most patients newly diagnosed with BrS show no symptoms, but around 30% may experience symptoms such as syncope or palpitations, which can arise from arrhythmic issues or other causes like neurally mediated reflexes. Accurately assessing the cause of these symptoms is crucial to evaluate the risk of SCD. This document aims to examine current evidence on the role of ILR implantation in patients with BrS. The most frequent arrhythmias recorded by ILR are supraventricular arrhythmias and conduction disorders; ventricular arrhythmias, usually nonsustained, are rarely recorded. Symptoms-to-rhythm correlation by ILR can have therapeutic implications in case of recorded arrhythmias (initiation of drug therapy, ablation procedures or defibrillator/pace-maker implantation), provide reassurance in patients without rhythm disorders documented and improve their quality of life. However, given the low rate of detected arrhythmias, the clinical value of ILR in asymptomatic patients needs further evaluation.