[Acquired long QT syndrome and cardiac arrest after general anesthesia. Case report and review of literature]

Ann Fr Anesth Reanim. 2014 Jun;33(6):421-6. doi: 10.1016/j.annfar.2014.04.009. Epub 2014 May 28.
[Article in French]

Abstract

A 30-year-old woman, with no medical history, is operated on for breast implants. In recovery room, an episode of torsade de pointes occurs, progressing to ventricular fibrillation. The ECG after cardiopulmonary resuscitation and conversion to a normal sinus rhythm shows a corrected QT interval prolongation, whereas it is normalized after 48hours. We hypothesize that a ventricular fibrillation occurred after a torsade de pointes, due to drug-induced long QT syndrome during general anesthesia, with probably drug interaction.

Keywords: Acquired long QT syndrome; Anesthésie générale; Arrêt cardiorespiratoire; Cardiac arrest; General anesthesia; QT long acquis; Torsade de pointes.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Adult
  • Anesthesia, General / adverse effects*
  • Breast Implantation / methods
  • Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
  • Electrocardiography
  • Female
  • Heart Arrest / chemically induced*
  • Heart Arrest / physiopathology
  • Heart Arrest / therapy
  • Humans
  • Long QT Syndrome / chemically induced*
  • Long QT Syndrome / physiopathology
  • Long QT Syndrome / therapy
  • Torsades de Pointes / chemically induced
  • Torsades de Pointes / therapy
  • Ventricular Fibrillation / therapy

Substances

  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists