title: QT prolongation and T-wave alternans during catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation: a case report.
abstract: We report a case of a 63-year-old woman who developed profound QT prolongation, T-wave alternans, and spontaneous ventricular fibrillation during catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation. A thorough search into the possible mechanisms identified the use of sevoflurane, an inhalational gas anesthetic as the culprit. The patient was converted to propofol anesthesia and her QT interval normalized promptly.
authors.affiliation: Heart and Vascular Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA.
authors.forename: Aditya
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Saini
authors.forename: Hemal
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Shah
authors.forename: Samir
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Saba
mesh_terms: D018685:Anesthetics, Inhalation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000601:surgery*; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000379:methods*; D004562:Electrocardiography / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008133:Long QT Syndrome / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D008738:Methyl Ethers / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008875:Middle Aged; D000077149:Sevoflurane; D014693:Ventricular Fibrillation / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis
chemical_list: D018685:Anesthetics, Inhalation; D008738:Methyl Ethers; D000077149:Sevoflurane
keywords: T-wave alternans; basic; basic, atrial fibrillation/atrial arrhythmias; clinical, Noninvasive techniques; clinical, ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation; electrophsiology; long QT syndrome