title: Polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (Torsades de pointes) due to licorice root tea.
abstract: Longed QT syndromes are cardiac repolarization disorders characterized by longed QT intervals on ECG. This electrophysiological abnormality may lead to syncope or sudden cardiac death due to rapid, polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT). Licorice root (Glycyrrhizin glabra root) contains Glycyrrhizin, sterols and many flavones. Glycyrrhizin may have effects on cardiac repolarization and depolarization through the autonomic nervous system. We present a case of polymorphic VT (torsades de pointes) secondary to drinking 5-6 glasses of licorice root tea for constipation for 2 days prior to admission to emergency department. Licorice root consumption should be taken into account in all patients admitted to the hospital for cardiac arrhythmia. It may cause cardiac arrhythmia when consumed regularly and in excessive amounts.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, Abant İzzet Baysal University, Bolu, Turkey. drserkan69@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Serkan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Oztürk
authors.forename: Kayıhan
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Karaman
authors.forename: Mustafa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cetin
authors.forename: Alim
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Erdem
mesh_terms: D001628:Beverages / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016887:Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation; D003248:Constipation / Q000628:therapy; D004554:Electric Countershock; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005260:Female; D006035:Glycyrrhiza / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000737:chemistry*; D019695:Glycyrrhizic Acid / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D018517:Plant Roots / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry*; D016171:Torsades de Pointes / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy
chemical_list: D019695:Glycyrrhizic Acid