Mechanism of sudden cardiac arrest while swimming in a child with the prolonged QT syndrome.
We describe the abrupt sequence of events resulting in cardiac arrest while swimming in a 12-year-old with long QT syndrome. Diving into cold water resulted in an irregular cardiac rhythm and further prolongation of the QT interval, followed by a premature ventricular complex, which initiated pulseless ventricular tachycardia (rate >300/minute). The transition from sinus rhythm to ventricular tachycardia occurred in <5 seconds and was followed by a successful implantable cardioverter-defibrillator rescue shock.
Division of Cardiology, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA.
Anjan S
AS
Batra
Michael J
MJ
Silka
D002648:Child; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005260:Female; D006323:Heart Arrest / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008133:Long QT Syndrome / Q000150:complications*; D013550:Swimming