QT prolongation and torsades de pointes

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Pathophysiology - The Long & Winding QT

  • QT Interval: Represents the duration of the ventricular myocyte action potential (AP), from initial depolarization to complete repolarization.
  • Core Defect: Prolongation of AP Phase 3 (ventricular repolarization).
    • Primarily due to blockade of the delayed rectifier potassium current ($I_{Kr}$).
    • This ↓ K⁺ efflux lengthens repolarization time, stretching the QT interval.
  • Trigger for TdP: This prolonged plateau can lead to early afterdepolarizations (EADs), which can initiate polymorphic ventricular tachycardia if they reach threshold.

⭐ Congenital Long QT Syndromes often result from mutations in genes encoding cardiac potassium (e.g., KCNH2) or sodium channels, impairing repolarization.

Etiologies - The Usual Suspects

  • QTc Interval Thresholds: Prolonged if > 450 ms (males) or > 470 ms (females). High risk for TdP if > 500 ms.

  • Medications (Most Common Cause)

    • 📌 Mnemonic: ABCDE
    • Antiarrhythmics: Class IA (Quinidine, Procainamide), Class III (Amiodarone, Sotalol, Dofetilide)
    • Biotics (Antibiotics): Macrolides (Erythromycin, Azithromycin), Fluoroquinolones
    • Cychotics (Antipsychotics): Haloperidol, Ziprasidone, other atypical antipsychotics
    • Depressants (Antidepressants): TCAs (Amitriptyline), SSRIs (Citalopram)
    • Emetics (Antiemetics): Ondansetron (5-HT3 antagonists)
    • Others: Azole antifungals (e.g., Fluconazole)
  • Electrolyte Disturbances

    • ↓ K⁺ (Hypokalemia)
    • ↓ Mg²⁺ (Hypomagnesemia)
    • ↓ Ca²⁺ (Hypocalcemia)
  • Other Causes

    • Congenital Long QT Syndrome (e.g., Romano-Ward, Jervell and Lange-Nielsen)
    • Bradycardia, Hypothyroidism

Exam Favorite: Citalopram carries a dose-dependent risk of QT prolongation. The FDA recommends a maximum dose of 40 mg/day (20 mg/day in patients >60 years, or with hepatic impairment).

Drug Interactions That May Delay Repolarization

Diagnosis - ECG Tells the Tale

  • ECG is key: Look for a prolonged QT interval, corrected for heart rate (QTc).
    • Bazett's Formula: $QTc = QT / \sqrt{RR}$
    • Thresholds: QTc > 450 ms in males, > 470 ms in females.
  • Torsades de Pointes (TdP): A specific polymorphic ventricular tachycardia.
    • ECG shows rapid, irregular, QRS complexes twisting around the isoelectric baseline.

ECG: Normal, prolonged QT, and Torsades de Pointes

Exam Favorite: TdP is often initiated by a "short-long-short" R-R interval sequence, where a PVC follows a long pause.

Management - Taming the Twisting Storm

  • Immediate Actions: Discontinue all QT-prolonging agents. Correct electrolyte imbalances, especially hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia.

⭐ IV magnesium is the first-line therapy for TdP regardless of the patient's baseline magnesium level; it stabilizes the cardiac membrane.

ECG showing Torsades de Pointes

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • QT prolongation is a major risk factor for Torsades de Pointes (TdP), a life-threatening polymorphic ventricular tachycardia.
  • Key drug classes include Class IA/III antiarrhythmics, macrolides, fluoroquinolones, antipsychotics, and -azole antifungals.
  • Hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia are critical co-factors that significantly increase TdP risk.
  • The first-line treatment for TdP is immediate IV magnesium sulfate, which stabilizes the cardiac membrane.
  • Always discontinue the offending drug and correct underlying electrolyte imbalances.
  • ECG shows characteristic twisting QRS complexes around the isoelectric line.

Practice Questions: QT prolongation and torsades de pointes

Test your understanding with these related questions

A 62-year-old man is brought to the emergency department because of syncope. He reports sudden onset of palpitations followed by loss of consciousness while carrying his groceries to his car. He is unable to recall any further details and does not have any chest pain or dizziness. He has a history of hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, gastroparesis, and osteoarthritis of the knees. Medications include lisinopril, metformin, and ondansetron as needed for nausea. He also takes methadone daily for chronic pain. Apart from an abrasion on his forehead, he appears well. His temperature is 37.2 °C (98.9 F), heart rate is 104/min and regular, and blood pressure is 135/70 mm Hg. While he is in the emergency department, he loses consciousness again. Telemetry shows polymorphic ventricular tachycardia with cyclic alteration of the QRS axis that spontaneously resolves after 30 seconds. Results of a complete blood count, serum electrolyte concentrations, and serum thyroid studies show no abnormalities. Cardiac enzymes are within normal limits. Which of the following is the most likely underlying cause of this patient's syncope?

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Flashcards: QT prolongation and torsades de pointes

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Cardiovascular (Antiarrhythmics) _____, a class III antiarrhythmic, has many neurologic side effects (e.g. tremor, ataxia, peripheral neuropathy, sleep disturbances)

TAP TO REVEAL ANSWER

Cardiovascular (Antiarrhythmics) _____, a class III antiarrhythmic, has many neurologic side effects (e.g. tremor, ataxia, peripheral neuropathy, sleep disturbances)

Amiodarone

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