Torsade de pointes.
A case is described of torsade de pointes in a 41 year old woman with pre-existing QTc prolongation, potentially exacerbated by treatment with sotalol. Previous cardiac investigations had been normal and after a second episode of ventricular fibrillation the patient was referred for electrophysiological studies. The authors review the physiology, causes, and treatment of QTc prolongation and torsade de pointes.
Munro
P T
PT
Department of Accident and Emergency Medicine, Southern General Hospital, 1345 Govan Road, Glasgow G51 4TF, UK. PHIL.MUNRO@sgh.scot.nhs.uk
Graham
C A
CA
D000328:Adult; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005260:Female; D006329:Heart Conduction System / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D016171:Torsades de Pointes / Q000503:physiopathology*