Q-T prolongation and torsades de pointes in a patient with subarachnoid hemorrhage.
An extreme Q-T prolongation in a patient with subarachnoid hemorrhage was observed. Multiple torsades de pointes occurred. Lidocaine, metoprolol, and atropine were not effective in controlling the arrhythmia, whereas shortening the Q-T interval by intravenous administration of orciprenaline or overdrive ventricular pacing was successful. The occurrence of T wave alternations was a sign of increased sympathetic activity.
D000368:Aged; D001285:Atropine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002304:Cardiac Pacing, Artificial; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008012:Lidocaine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009921:Metaproterenol / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013345:Subarachnoid Hemorrhage / Q000150:complications*; D013610:Tachycardia / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy
D009921:Metaproterenol; D001285:Atropine; D008012:Lidocaine