Cardiac arrest under anaesthesia in a child with previously undiagnosed Jervell and Lange-Nielsen syndrome.
A 7-year-old Sikh boy with a history of syncopal attacks and congenital deafness was admitted for elective adenoidectomy and examination of his ears under general anaesthesia. Immediately after induction of anaesthesia an ECG demonstrated T wave inversion in the CM5 lead. The child subsequently developed multifocal ventricular extrasystoles and later, ventricular fibrillation. Defibrillation was achieved using two 50 J DC shocks. A 12-lead ECG performed later demonstrated a prolonged Q-Tc interval (0.52 s). The child was diagnosed as having the Jervell and Lange-Nielsen syndrome.
Holland
J J
JJ
Department of Anaesthesia, Trafford General Hospital, Manchester.
D000233:Adenoidectomy; D000768:Anesthesia, General / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005117:Cardiac Complexes, Premature / Q000209:etiology; D002648:Child; D004554:Electric Countershock; D004562:Electrocardiography; D006323:Heart Arrest / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008133:Long QT Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008297:Male; D014693:Ventricular Fibrillation / Q000209:etiology