Preventable sudden death: the "long Q-T syndrome"

The syndrome of long Q-T interval (LQTS) must be included in the differential diagnosis of an adolescent with syncope. A case of cardiac arrest in a patient with LQTS is presented and discussed. The method for identifying these patients through using Bazett's formula is included. Treatment with beta blockers (propranolol)appears to be indicated in patients with prolonged QTc interval and syncope if the high mortality from ventricular arrhythmias is to be presented.