Fatal case of delayed repolarization due to cocaine abuse and global ischemia.
When a previously healthy, middle-aged patient presents with apparent seizures, what should alert the physician to the possibility of underlying cardiac disease? This report describes a case of long QT syndrome, initially presenting as seizures, which expressed itself at an atypically advanced age as a result of cocaine use, global myocardial ischemia, and ventricular tachycardia.
Riaz
Kamran
K
Departments of Basic Science and Internal Medicine, Cardiology Section, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Truman Medical Center, Kansas City, MO, USA.
McCullough
Peter A
PA
D019970:Cocaine-Related Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004562:Electrocardiography; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D006329:Heart Conduction System / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D008133:Long QT Syndrome / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017202:Myocardial Ischemia / Q000503:physiopathology*; D016171:Torsades de Pointes / Q000503:physiopathology