Long QT syndrome and torsades de pointes induced by acute sulpiride poisoning.
Sulpiride, a selective dopamine D2 antagonist and a substituted benzamide derivative, is considered a safe antipsychotic and antidepressant agent with few adverse effects on the cardiovascular system. Sulpiride-induced torsades de pointes is rare. We report a case of long QT syndrome and torsades de pointes induced by ingestion of 1.5 g of sulpiride. Ventricular arrhythmia was initially treated with amiodarone, without success. Eventually, lidocaine and magnesium sulfate successfully terminated the ventricular arrhythmia. The patient was discharged uneventfully after 3 days of hospitalization. This case illustrates the fact that acute sulpiride poisoning may lead to life-threatening ventricular arrhythmia. Early recognition followed by effective therapy is crucial. Intensive cardiac monitoring is recommended for sulpiride poisoning.
Institute of Forensic Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
Jia-How
JH
Chang
Te-I
TI
Weng
Cheng-Chung
CC
Fang
D018492:Dopamine Antagonists / Q000506:poisoning*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008012:Lidocaine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008133:Long QT Syndrome / Q000139:chemically induced*; D008278:Magnesium Sulfate / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013469:Sulpiride / Q000506:poisoning*; D016171:Torsades de Pointes / Q000139:chemically induced*; D055815:Young Adult
D018492:Dopamine Antagonists; D008278:Magnesium Sulfate; D013469:Sulpiride; D008012:Lidocaine