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Diagnosing Torsades De Pointes Based on Correlation to QT Interval: A Systematic Review
Simranjit S Kahlon1, Rabia Sikandar1, Sreedevi Tejovath1
1Internal Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA.
Cureus
|September 16, 2022
Summary
Torsades de Pointes (TdP), a fatal heart rhythm, is linked to prolonged QT intervals. This review explores causes like congenital diseases and drugs, emphasizing ECG monitoring for prevention.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Electrophysiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Torsades de Pointes (TdP) is a rare, potentially fatal tachyarrhythmia.
- It presents as polymorphic ventricular tachycardia with characteristic ECG findings in prolonged QT interval.
- Prolonged QT interval, or long QT syndrome, increases TdP risk, but a definitive threshold remains undefined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between various causes of QT prolongation and the risk of TdP.
- To focus on congenital diseases, drug-induced prolongation, and perioperative risks.
- To review existing literature on the association between QT prolongation and TdP.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.
- Literature search across databases: PubMed, Science Direct, Medline, and CiNii.
- Analysis of systematic reviews and articles linking prolonged QT interval to TdP.
Main Results:
- Established association between prolonged QT interval and degeneration into TdP.
- Identified congenital diseases, drugs, and perioperative factors as significant contributors to QT prolongation.
- Highlighted the challenge in defining a specific QT interval duration indicative of high TdP risk.
Conclusions:
- Further research is crucial to fully understand the implications of QT prolongation.
- ECG monitoring and prompt treatment of underlying causes can aid in preventing TdP.
- This review supports proactive management for patients with long QT syndrome or those on QT-prolonging medications.
Keywords:
drug-induced long qt syndromelong qt syndromeqt interval prolongationqt prolongation and risk of torsadestorsadestorsades de pointes (tdp)More Related Videos
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