Anaesthetic management of idiopathic long QT syndrome--a case report

This report describes the management of a patient with Idiopathic Long QT Syndrome (LQTS). The patient had life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias which did not respond to drug therapy with propranolol and phenytoin. A series of left stellate ganglion blocks were performed to control the arrhythmias. After stabilisation a high left thoracic sympathectomy was performed for a more permanent control of arrhythmias. Perioperative anaesthetic management is described and the usefulness of stellate ganglion block is demonstrated.