TORSADES DE POINTE - DISTINCT ENTITY OF VENTRICULAR ARRHYTHMIA

  • 1 January 1978
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 33  (3) , 167-184
Abstract
Cases (7) of an unusual type of ventricular arrhythmia, already named Torsades de pointe, are presented. It is characterized by a changing pattern of the ventricular complexes, spontaneous onset and cessation, and refractoriness to defibrillation and antiarrhythmic drugs which decrease intraventricular conduction. Prior to its onset, Q-T prolongation is almost universally seen in the ECG. Hypokalemia, myocardial depressants and bradycardia are common causes. Isproterenol and rapid cardiac pacing are recommended as the treatment of choice. This arrhythmia is a distinct entity, quite different from typical ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation.