Open AccessA practical approach to torsade de pointes
Author(s) -
Roden Dan M.
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
clinical cardiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.263
H-Index - 72
eISSN - 1932-8737
pISSN - 0160-9289
DOI - 10.1002/clc.4960200318
Subject(s) - medicine , qt interval , hypokalemia , ventricular tachycardia , long qt syndrome , torsades de pointes , heart block , cardiology , electrocardiography , hypomagnesemia , cardiac arrhythmia , anesthesia , magnesium , materials science , metallurgy , atrial fibrillation
The term torsade de pointes refers to polymorphic ventricular tachycardia that occurs in the setting of an abnormally long QT interval. While the most common cause is treatment with QT prolonging drugs, torsade de pointes also occurs in the congenital long QT syndromes and in the setting of acquired heart block or severe electrolyte disturbance, notably hypokalemia. Among QT prolonging drugs that cause torsade de pointes, both antiarrhythmics and “noncardioactive” drugs have been recognized. The electrocardiographic features of torsade de pointes include labile QT intervals, prominent U waves, and a “pause‐dependent” onset of the arrhythmia. Treatment consists of recognition of the syndrome, correction of underlying electrolyte abnormalities, and withdrawal of any offending drugs. Magnesium, isoproterenol, or cardiac pacing provides specific antiarrhythmic therapy in torsade de pointes.