title: Cocaine-induced torsades de pointes in idiopathic long Q-T syndrome.
abstract: Torsades de pointes is a ventricular tachycardia characterized by the QRS complexes of changing amplitude that appear to twist around an isoelectric line. It usually precipitates in the setting of underlying Q-T interval prolongation, which has both congenital and acquired causes. The common acquired causes of torsades precipitation are medications, electrolyte imbalance, and severe bradycardia. This report presents a case of torsades de pointes that was precipitated by substance abuse in a patient with idiopathic long Q-T syndrome and required several treatment modalities.
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiology, Long Island College Hospital, Brooklyn, NY, USA.
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Singh
authors.forename: H K
authors.initials: HK
authors.lastname: Singh
authors.forename: P P
authors.initials: PP
authors.lastname: Singh
authors.forename: I A
authors.initials: IA
authors.lastname: Khan
mesh_terms: D019970:Cocaine-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy; D004562:Electrocardiography; D006801:Humans; D008133:Long QT Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000151:congenital*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous / Q000209:etiology; D013575:Syncope / Q000150:complications; D016171:Torsades de Pointes / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy