Left stellectomy in the long QT syndrome

Recent investigations have reaffirmed the role of autonomic innervation of the heart in the genesis of certain cardiac arrhythmias. The long QT syndrome (LQTS) has been described for years, but only recently has evidence of its link to autonomic imbalance been established. A case of LQTS is presented with intraoperative evidence at the time of left stellectomy of life-threatening arrhythmias triggered by stimulation of this neural body. Removal of the left stellate ganglion normalized the electrocardiographic (ECG) abnormalities and has rendered the patient asymptomatic since surgery. Left stellectomy may become definitive therapy for selected patients with the LQTS.