Open AccessMan versus machine? Acquired long QT syndrome in a patient with anorexia nervosa
Author(s) -
Tran Tomio,
Brunnquell Michael,
Mehler Philip S.,
Krantz Mori J.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
annals of noninvasive electrocardiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.494
H-Index - 48
eISSN - 1542-474X
pISSN - 1082-720X
DOI - 10.1111/anec.12704
Subject(s) - qt interval , medicine , anorexia nervosa , ventricular repolarization , hypokalemia , repolarization , heart rate , electrocardiography , long qt syndrome , cardiology , psychiatry , blood pressure , electrophysiology , eating disorders
Computer‐generated Bazett‐corrected QT (QTcB) algorithms are common in clinical practice and can rapidly identify repolarization abnormalities, but accuracy is variable. This report highlights marked rate‐corrected QT (QTc) interval prolongation not detected by the computer algorithm. A 26‐year‐old woman with anorexia nervosa was admitted with severe hypokalemia and ventricular ectopy. Computer‐generated QTcB was 485 ms, while manual adjudication yielded a QTcB of 657 ms and a Fridericia‐corrected QT (QTcF) interval of 626 ms using digital calipers. Computer‐generated QTc intervals may aid in clinical decision‐making. However, accuracy is variable, particularly in the setting of ectopy, and requires manual verification.