Key result
PVI achieves ~82% freedom from AF in Brugada syndrome and curbs inappropriate ICD shocks.
Why the study?
AF frequently coexists with Brugada syndrome and increases inappropriate ICD therapies, while antiarrhythmic drugs are often limited by proarrhythmic effects. This study evaluated whether pulmonary vein isolation reduces AF recurrence and provides effective rhythm control in patients with BrS and AF.
Does pulmonary vein isolation achieve freedom from atrial fibrillation and reduce inappropriate ICD shocks in patients with Brugada syndrome and atrial fibrillation?
Meta-Analysis (n=214)
Does pulmonary vein isolation achieve freedom from atrial fibrillation and reduce inappropriate ICD shocks in patients with Brugada syndrome and atrial fibrillation?
Pulmonary vein isolation provides an 82% freedom from atrial fibrillation and significantly reduces inappropriate ICD shocks with uncommon procedural complications in patients with Brugada syndrome and AF.
PVI may reduce inappropriate ICD shocks in Brugada syndrome with AF; leaves open need for randomized confirmation.
BACKGROUND: Brugada syndrome (BrS) is an inherited arrhythmogenic disorder responsible for approximately 4% of sudden cardiac deaths. Atrial fibrillation (AF) frequently coexists and increases the risk of inappropriate implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) therapies. Antiarrhythmic drugs are often limited by proarrhythmic effects, creating an unmet therapeutic need. PURPOSE: We evaluated whether pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) reduces AF recurrence and provides effective rhythm control in patients with BrS and AF. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies published in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus from inception until February 14, 2026. We included studies reporting outcomes of PVI in patients with BrS and AF. The primary endpoint was freedom from AF after ablation. Secondary endpoints included AF recurrence, changes in inappropriate implantable cardioverter-defibrillator shocks before versus after ablation, and procedural complications. Pooled proportions and risk differences were calculated using random-effects models. RESULTS: A total of 2149 records were initially identified. After screening and eligibility assessment, Five studies comprising 214 participants overall, including 124 patients with BrS or Brugada-type ECG, were included in the final analysis. The mean age of participants ranged from 45.8 ± 15.5 to 57 ± 10 years, and the proportion of male patients ranged from 33.3% to 100% across studies. PVI significantly reduced inappropriate defibrillator shocks (pooled risk difference -0.35). Freedom from AF was achieved in 82% of patients. The pooled recurrence rate was 36%. A spontaneous type 1 electrocardiographic pattern was present in 10% of patients, and 32% had a family history of sudden cardiac death. Procedural complications were uncommon across studies. CONCLUSION: PVI was associated with favorable rhythm-control outcomes and acceptable procedural safety in patients with BrS or Brugada-type ECG and AF. Inappropriate ICD shocks were less frequent after ablation, supporting PVI as a clinically relevant rhythm-control strategy in this challenging population. Larger prospective studies are warranted to confirm these findings.
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Sabahizadeh et al. (2026) conducted a meta-analysis in Brugada syndrome and atrial fibrillation (n=214). Pulmonary vein isolation vs. Before ablation was evaluated on Freedom from atrial fibrillation after ablation. Pulmonary vein isolation achieved freedom from atrial fibrillation in 82% of patients with Brugada syndrome and reduced inappropriate ICD shocks (pooled risk difference -0.35).
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