[Amiodarone-induced torsade de pointes--five case reports]

Kardiol Pol. 2004 Apr;60(4):365-70; discussion 371.
[Article in Polish]

Abstract

Five patients with amiodarone-induced QT prolongation and torsade de pointes are described. Hypokalemia was present in three patients, marked bradycardia - in two, and T-wave alternans - also in two patients. Patients with negative T waves in precordial leads were at higher risk of ventricular fibrillation than the patients with positive T waves. Beta-blocker, lidocaine and, in two patients, tosylate bretylate were effective. All patients survived to hospital discharge, however, one patient died four months later.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Amiodarone / adverse effects*
  • Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / adverse effects*
  • Electrocardiography
  • Female
  • Heart Conduction System / drug effects*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Torsades de Pointes / chemically induced*
  • Torsades de Pointes / physiopathology

Substances

  • Anti-Arrhythmia Agents
  • Amiodarone