Traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage and QTc prolongation.
OBJECTIVE
Spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) causes a prolonged corrected QT interval (QTc) in 25% to 90% of patients, but whether this occurs with traumatic SAH (tSAH) is unknown. This investigation was conducted to determine whether QTc prolongation occurs with tSAH and to evaluate QTc prolongation with respect to severity of tSAH.


METHODS
Records of 104 consecutive tSAH patients were reviewed. A QTc was calculated on posttrauma day (PTD) 0, 1, and 3. Cranial computed tomography (CT) scans were graded for severity using a previously validated scale. QTc intervals were compared based on CT scan severity.


METHODS
Pennsylvania level II trauma center.


METHODS
Trauma patients with tSAH.


METHODS
None


RESULTS
QTc prolongation occurred in 67% of those with tSAH. Mean QTc intervals for PTD0, PTD1, and PTD3 were 470 +/- 69 ms, 467 +/- 72 ms, and 465 +/- 50 ms, respectively. As the severity of the tSAH increased, the average QTc became more prolonged (Pearson's r = 0.855, P = 0.003).


CONCLUSIONS
tSAH is a common cause of an acquired prolonged QTc syndrome. As the tSAH becomes more severe, the QTc becomes more prolonged.
Collier
Bryan R
BR
Department of Surgery, Temple University/Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center, Johnstown, Pennsylvania 15905, USA.
Miller
S Lee
SL
Kramer
Gary S
GS
Balon
Jennifer A
JA
Gonzalez
Luis S
LS
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008133:Long QT Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008274:Magnesium / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011188:Potassium / Q000097:blood; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D020206:Subarachnoid Hemorrhage, Traumatic / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014883:Water-Electrolyte Imbalance / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology
D008274:Magnesium; D011188:Potassium