Brugada phenocopy induced by heatstroke: a case report

The patient, a 56-year-old male, was admitted to the emergency department due to confusion and elevated body temperature persisting for 1 d. He presented with multiple organ dysfunction, including coagulation dysfunction, respiratory failure, abnormal liver and kidney function, and gastrointestinal disorders. After excluding other potential causes, a diagnosis of heatstroke was made. Additionally, the patient exhibited myocardial injury and Brugada phenocopy, as evidenced by ST-segment elevation and Brugada wave on electrocardiogram. These findings may be related to several mechanisms such as myocardial thermal injury, systemic inflammatory response after heat stress, and abnormal function of temperator-sensitive ion channels. It is necessary to strengthen the understanding of heatstroke-related myocardial injury and Brugada phenotypy to help improve the treatment and prognosis of heatstroke.