Torsades de pointes: a case with multiple variables

Am J Emerg Med. 1999 Jan;17(1):80-5. doi: 10.1016/s0735-6757(99)90025-6.

Abstract

Torsades de pointes is a polymorphic ventricular tachycardia that displays a unique electrocardiographic feature of twisting of the mean electrical axis of QRS complexes around an isoelectric line on the surface electrocardiogram. It is associated with long QT syndrome and has many precipitating mechanisms, etiologic factors, and treatment options. This report presents a case of torsades de pointes that was precipitated by multiple factors and required many treatment modalities. The patient in this case exhibited features of both congenital and acquired types of long QT syndrome.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bradycardia / complications
  • Cocaine-Related Disorders / complications*
  • Electrocardiography*
  • Emergency Treatment
  • HIV Seropositivity / complications
  • Humans
  • Hypokalemia / complications
  • Long QT Syndrome / congenital*
  • Magnesium Deficiency / complications
  • Male
  • Precipitating Factors
  • Recurrence
  • Torsades de Pointes / diagnosis*
  • Torsades de Pointes / etiology*
  • Torsades de Pointes / therapy