Early repolarization syndrome- to be or not to be benign.

The early repolarization syndrome, particular electrocardiographic aspect defined as J point and concave ST segment elevation, interpreted by electrophysiologists as benign for over five decades, caused over the past three years many controversies. The trigger for controversy were the results of several, mostly retrospective, studies concluding that individuals with early repolarization syndrome in inferolateral leads are at higher risk of developing malignant ventricular arrhythmia and death of cardiovascular cause. Although there is more to be said and investigate about this phenomenon, it potential malignant nature can not be neglected. The purpose of this article is to present data regarding early repolarization epidemiology and pathogenesis, data resulting from the most important studies regarding arrhythmic risk and evaluation of individuals with early repolarization syndrome.