title: Polymorphic ventricular tachycardia.
abstract: The case of a patient with torsade de pointes in the setting of congenital complete heart block is described. Lack of recognition of this polymorphic ventricular tachycardia resulted in therapy that potentiated the dysrhythmia. After correct recognition, and directed therapy, the patient responded appropriately. The clinical settings, recognition, and management options available for torsade de pointes are discussed to familiarize the emergency physician with this important and unique dysrhythmia.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, New York Medical College, Westchester County Medical Center, Valhalla 10595.
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: O'Dea
authors.forename: R H
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Kay
authors.forename: J W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Blake
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pucillo
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Rubin
authors.forename: M V
authors.initials: MV
authors.lastname: Herman
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004554:Electric Countershock; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D013610:Tachycardia / Q000175:diagnosis*; D013617:Tachycardia, Supraventricular / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D014693:Ventricular Fibrillation / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy