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| {{Infobox_Disease | | | {{Infobox_Disease | |
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| eMedicineTopic = 2286 |
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| eMedicine_mult = {{eMedicine2|emerg|596}} |
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| MeshID = D016171 | | | MeshID = D016171 | |
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| {{SI}} | | {{Torsades de pointes}} |
| {{WikiDoc Cardiology Network Infobox}}
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| {{CMG}}
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| __NOTOC__
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| '''Associate Editor-In-Chief:''' {{CZ}}
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| {{Editor Join}}
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| ==Overview==
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| '''Torsade de pointes''' or '''torsades''' is a French term that literally means "twisting of the points" is a [[ventricular tachycardia]] associated with a long QT time on the resting ECG.
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| Torsade de pointes is typically initiated by a short-long-short interval. A ventricle extrasystole (first beat: short) is followed by a compensatory pause. The following beat (second beat: long) has a longer [[QT interval]]. If the next beat follows shortly thereafter, ther is a good chance that this third beat falls within the [[QT interval]], resulting in the R on T phenomenon and subsequent [[Torsade de pointes]]. During [[Torsade de pointes]] the ventricles depolarize in a circular fashion resulting in QRS complexes with a continuously turning heart axis around the baseline (hence the name ''Torsade de Pointes''). Read the chapter on the [[Long_QT_syndrome|Long QT Syndrome]] for an list of causes.
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| Also, a more rare form of short coupled [[Torsade de pointes]] has been observed.<ref>Leenhardt A, Glaser E, Burguera M, Nuernberg M, Maison-Blanche P, and Coumel P. Short-coupled variant of torsade de pointes. A new electrocardiographic entity in the spectrum of idiopathic ventricular tachyarrhythmias. Circulation 1994 Jan; 89(1) 206-15. PMID 8281648 </ref>
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| ==History==
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| It was first described by [[Dessertenne]] in 1966<ref>{{cite journal |author=Dessertenne F |title=[Ventricular tachycardia with 2 variable opposing foci] |language=French |journal=Archives des maladies du coeur et des vaisseaux |volume=59 |issue=2 |pages=263-72 |year=1966 |pmid=4956181 |doi=}}</ref> and refers to a specific variety of [[ventricular tachycardia]] that exhibits distinct characteristics on the [[electrocardiogram]] (ECG).
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| ==Terminology==
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| The French term is largely due to the fact that the phenomenon was originally described in a French [[medical journal]] by [[Dessertenne]] in 1966, when he observed this rhythm disorder in an 80-year-old female patient with complete intermittent [[atrioventricular]] block.
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| There has been much debate in the ''Circulation'' journal among French and American scientist whether one should write '''Torsades de Pointes''' or '''Torsade de Pointes'''.
| | {{CMG}}; '''Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief:''' {{CZ}} |
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| As for now ''Torsade'' is prefered (unless one sees rotations around more than one axis in one episode), but both forms are used in similar frequency.<ref>Moise NS. As Americans, we should get this right. Circulation 1999 Sep 28; 100(13) 1462. PMID 10500317 </ref>
| | ==[[Torsades de pointes overview|Overview]]== |
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| ==Presentation== | | ==[[Torsades de pointes historical perspective|Historical Perspective]]== |
| [[Image:Tosadesdepointes.jpg|center|thumb|300px|Characteristic tracing showing the "twisting" (blue line) of Torsade de pointes]] | |
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| '''Torsades''' is a rapid, polymorphic ventricular tachycardia with a characteristic twist of the QRS complex around the isoelectric baseline. It is also associated with a fall in arterial blood pressure, which gives rise to the syncopal symptoms experienced by patients.
| | ==[[Torsades de pointes pathophysiology|Pathophysiology]]== |
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| Although torsade de pointes is a rare ventricular arrhythmia, it can degenerate into ventricular fibrillation, which will lead to sudden death in the absence of medical intervention. Torsade de pointes is associated with Long QT syndrome, a condition whereby prolonged QT intervals are visible on the ECG.
| | ==[[Torsades de pointes causes|Causes]]== |
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| ==Causes== | | ==[[Torsades de pointes differential diagnosis|Differentiating Torsades de pointes from other Diseases]]== |
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| Long QT syndrome can either be inherited as congenital mutations of ion channels carrying the cardiac impulse/action potential or acquired as a result of drugs that block these cardiac ion currents.
| | ==[[Torsades de pointes risk factors|Risk Factors]]== |
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| Common causes for torsades de pointes include [[hypomagnesemia]] and [[hypokalemia]]. It is commonly seen in malnourished individuals and chronic [[alcoholism|alcoholics]]. Drug interactions such as erythromycin or Avelox, taken concomitantly with inhibitors like nitroimidazole, [[Diarrhea]], dietary supplements, and various medications like [[methadone]], [[Lithium]], [[tricyclic antidepressants]] or [[phenothiazines]] may also contribute.
| | ==[[Torsades de pointes natural history, complications and prognosis|Natural History, Complications and Prognosis]]== |
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| Factors that are associated with an increased tendency toward torsades de pointes include:
| | ==Diagnosis== |
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| * [[Familial long QT syndrome]]
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| * [[antiarrhythmic drug|Class IA antiarrhythmics]]
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| * [[Hypomagnesemia]]
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| * [[Hypokalemia]]
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| * [[Hypoxia (medical)|Hypoxia]]
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| * [[Acidosis]]
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| * [[Heart failure]]
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| * [[Left ventricular hypertrophy]]
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| * [[bradycardia|Slow heart rate]]
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| * [[Female|Female gender]]
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| ===The List of Drugs that Causing Torsades de pointes===
| | [[Torsades de pointes history and symptoms|History and Symptoms]] | [[Torsades de pointes physical examination|Physical Examination]] | [[Torsades de pointes laboratory findings|Laboratory Findings]] | [[Torsades de pointes electrocardiogram|Electrocardiogram]] | [[Torsades de pointes ekg examples|EKG Examples]] | [[Torsades de pointes echocardiography|Echocardiography]] | [[Torsades de pointes other diagnostic studies|Other Diagnostic Studies]] |
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| Drugs that are generally accepted to have a risk of causing torsades de pointes
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| * [[Amiodarone ]]
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| * [[Arsenic trioxide ]]
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| * [[Astemizole ]]
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| * [[Bepridil ]]
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| * [[Chloroquine ]]
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| * [[Chlorpromazine ]]
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| * [[Cisapride ]]
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| * [[Clarithromycin ]]
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| * [[Disopyramide ]]
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| * [[Dofetilide ]]
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| * [[Domperidone ]]
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| * [[Droperidol ]]
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| * [[Erythromycin ]]
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| * [[Halofantrine ]]
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| * [[Haloperidol ]]
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| * [[Ibutilide ]]
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| * [[Levomethadyl ]]
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| * [[Mesoridazine]]
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| * [[Methadone ]]
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| * [[Pentamidine]]
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| * [[Pimozide ]]
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| * [[Probucol ]]
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| * [[Procainamide]]
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| * [[Quinidine ]]
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| * [[Sotalol ]]
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| * [[Sparfloxacin ]]
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| * [[Terfenadine ]]
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| * [[Thioridazine]]
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| ===The List of Drugs that Possible Causing Torsades de pointes ===
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| Drugs that in some reports have been associated with torsades de pointes and/or QT prolongation but at this time lack substantial evidence for causing torsades de pointes.
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| * [[Alfuzosin ]]
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| * [[Amantadine ]]
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| * [[Atazanavir ]]
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| * [[Azithromycin ]]
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| * [[Chloral hydrate ]]
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| * [[Clozapine ]]
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| * [[Dolasetron ]]
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| * [[Felbamate ]]
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| * [[Flecainide ]]
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| * [[Foscarnet ]]
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| * [[Fosphenytoin ]]
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| * [[Gatifloxacin ]]
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| * [[Gemifloxacin ]]
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| * [[Granisetron ]]
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| * [[Indapamide ]]
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| * [[Isradipine ]]
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| * [[Levofloxacin ]]
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| * [[Lithium ]]
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| * [[Moexipril]] / [[HCTZ ]]
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| * [[Moxifloxacin ]]
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| * [[Nicardipine ]]
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| * [[Octreotide ]]
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| * [[Ofloxacin ]]
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| * [[Ondansetron]]
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| * [[Oxytocin ]]
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| * [[Paliperidone ]]
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| * [[Perflutren]]
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| * [[Quetiapine ]]
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| * [[Ranolazine ]]
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| * [[Risperidone ]]
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| * [[Roxithromycin]]
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| * [[Sunitinib ]]
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| * [[Tacrolimus ]]
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| * [[Tamoxifen ]]
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| * [[Telithromycin]]
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| * [[Tizanidine ]]
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| * [[Vardenafil ]]
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| * [[Venlafaxine ]]
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| * [[Voriconazole ]]
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| * [[Ziprasidone]]
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| ===The List of Drugs that Causing Torsades de pointes in Certain Conditions===
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| Drugs that, in some reports, have been weakly associated with torsades de pointes and/or QT prolongation but that are unlikely to be a risk for torsades de pointes when used in usual recommended dosages and in patients without other risk factors (e.g., concomitant QT prolonging drugs, bradycardia, electrolyte disturbances, congenital long QT syndrome, concomitant drugs that inhibit metabolism)
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| * [[Amitriptyline ]]
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| * [[Amoxapine ]]
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| * [[Ciprofloxacin]]
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| * [[Citalopram ]]
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| * [[Clomipramine ]]
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| * [[Desipramine ]]
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| * [[Doxepin ]]
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| * [[Fluconazole ]]
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| * [[Fluoxetine ]]
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| * [[Galantamine ]]
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| * [[Imipramine ]]
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| * [[Itraconazole ]]
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| * [[Ketoconazole ]]
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| * [[Mexiletine ]]
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| * [[Nortriptyline]]
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| * [[Paroxetine ]]
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| * [[Protriptyline]]
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| * [[Sertraline ]]
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| * [[Solifenacin ]]
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| * [[Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole]]
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| * [[Trimipramine]]
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| ==Treatment== | | ==Treatment== |
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| ===Acute Treatment ===
| | [[Torsades de pointes medical therapy|Medical Therapy]] | [[Torsades de pointes primary prevention|Primary Prevention]] | [[Torsades de pointes secondary prevention|Secondary Prevention]] | [[Torsades de pointes cost-effectiveness of therapy|Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy]] | [[Torsades de pointes future or investigational therapies|Future or Investigational Therapies]] |
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| Withdrawal of the offending agent and infusion of [[magnesium sulfate]]''' <ref name="pmid15466950">{{cite journal |author=Hoshino K, Ogawa K, Hishitani T, Isobe T, Eto Y |title=Optimal administration dosage of magnesium sulfate for torsades de pointes in children with long QT syndrome |journal=J Am Coll Nutr |volume=23 |issue=5 |pages=497S–500S |year=2004 |month=October |pmid=15466950 |doi= |url=http://www.jacn.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&pmid=15466950}}</ref><ref name="pmid16635167">{{cite journal |author=Hoshino K, Ogawa K, Hishitani T, Isobe T, Etoh Y |title=Successful uses of magnesium sulfate for torsades de pointes in children with long QT syndrome |journal=Pediatr Int |volume=48 |issue=2 |pages=112–7 |year=2006 |month=April |pmid=16635167 |doi=10.1111/j.1442-200X.2006.02177.x |url=http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/resolve/openurl?genre=article&sid=nlm:pubmed&issn=1328-8067&date=2006&volume=48&issue=2&spage=112}}</ref>
| | ==Case Studies== |
| | [[Torsades de pointes case study one|Case #1]] |
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| ===Short Term Management=== | | ==Related Chapters== |
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| * [[Cardioversion]] / [[Defibrillation]]
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| :* Although torsade de pointes frequently is self-terminating, it may degenerate into [[ventricular fibrillation]], which requires defibrillation.
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| :* In a stable patient, DC cardioversion is kept as a last resort because torsade de pointes is paroxysmal in nature and is characterized by its frequent recurrences following cardioversion.
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| [[Image:Torsades_converted_by_AICD_ECG_strip_Lead_II.JPG|thumb|center|800px|Lead II [[electrocardiogram]] showing [[Torsades]] being shocked by an [[Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator]] back to the patients baseline [[cardiac rhythm]].]]
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| * Discontinuation of the offending agent should be withdrawn immediately or predisposing conditions (Predisposing conditions such as [[hypokalemia]], [[hypomagnesemia]], and [[bradycardia]] should be identified and corrected) should be normalized (please refer causes chapter above for all known reasons).
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| * Suppression of early after depolarizations;
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| :* [[Magnesium]] is the drug of choice for suppressing early after depolarizations and terminating the [[arrhythmia]]. This is achieved by decreasing the influx of calcium, thus lowering the amplitude of early after depolarizations. Magnesium can be given at 1-2 g IV initially in 30-60 seconds, which then can be repeated in 5-15 minutes. Alternatively, a continuous infusion can be started at a rate of 3-10 mg/min. [[Magnesium]] is effective even in patients with normal magnesium levels.
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| :* Some authorities recommend supplemental potassium to increase the potassium concentration to high normal, which increases the efflux of potassium from myocardial cells, thus causing rapid repolarization.
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| :* [[Lidocaine]] usually has no effect in torsade de pointes. Occasionally, it can have an initial beneficial effect, but torsade de pointes recurs in all cases.
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| :* [[Mexiletine]] also may be helpful in suppressing torsade de pointes. In one study, it was used in patients with HIV who had acquired long QT interval and torsade de pointes. It effectively suppressed the torsade de pointes on a long-term basis.
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| :* Acceleration of the heart rate can be achieved by using beta1-adrenergic agonists such as [[isoproterenol]] or overdrive electrical pacing.
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| * [[Isoproterenol]]
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| :* This drug can be used in bradycardia-dependent torsade de pointes that usually is associated with acquired long QT syndrome (pause-dependent). It should be administered as a continuous IV infusion to keep the heart rate faster than 90 bpm.
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| :* [[Isoproterenol]] accelerates AV conduction and decreases the QT interval by increasing the heart rate and reducing temporal dispersion of repolarization. Beta-adrenergic agonists are contraindicated in the congenital form of long QT syndrome (adrenergic-dependent).
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| :* Because of precautions, contraindications, and adverse effects associated with its use, this drug is used as an interim agent until overdrive pacing can be started.
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| * Temporary transvenous pacing
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| :* Based on the fact that the QT interval shortens with a faster heart rate, pacing can be effective in terminating torsade de pointes. It is effective in both forms of the long QT syndrome because it facilitates the repolarizing potassium currents and prevents long pauses, suppressing EADs and decreasing the QT interval.
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| :* Atrial pacing is the preferred mode because it preserves the atrial contribution to ventricular filling.
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| :* In patients with AV block, ventricular pacing can be used to suppress torsade de pointes.
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| :* Pacing should be instituted at a rate of 90-110 bpm until the QT interval is normalized.
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| === Long Term Management===
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| * [[long QT syndrome|Congenital long QT syndrome]]
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| :* Beta-adrenergic antagonists at maximally treated doses are used as a first-line long-term therapy in congenital long QT syndrome. Propranolol is used most extensively, but other agents such as esmolol or nadolol also can be used. Beta-blockers are contraindicated in acquired cases because bradycardia produced by these agents can precipitate torsade. Beta-blockers should be avoided in those congenital cases in which [[bradycardia]] is a prominent feature.
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| :* Patients without [[syncope]], [[ventricular tachyarrhythmia]], or a family history of sudden cardiac death can be observed without starting any treatment.
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| :* Permanent pacing benefits patients who remain symptomatic despite receiving the maximally tolerated dose of beta-blockers and can be used adjunctively to [[beta-blocker]]s. It decreases the QT interval by enhancing the repolarizing potassium currents and suppressing EADs.
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| :* High left thoracic sympathectomy, another antiadrenergic therapy, is effective in patients who remain refractory to beta-blockade and pacing. Accidental ablation of ocular efferent sympathetic nerves may result in Horner syndrome.
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| :* [[Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator]]s (ICDs) are useful in rare instances when torsade de pointes recurs despite treatment with beta-blockers, pacing, and left thoracic sympathectomy. [[Beta-blocker]]s should be used along with ICDs because shock can further precipitate torsade de pointes by adrenergic stimulation.
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| * [[long QT syndrome|Acquired long QT syndrome]]
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| :* Long-term treatment in acquired cases usually is not required because the QT interval returns to normal once the inciting factor or predisposing condition has been corrected.
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| :* [[Pacemaker]] implantation is effective in cases that are associated with heart block or [[bradycardia]].
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| :* [[Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator]]s are indicated in cases that cannot be managed by avoidance of the offending agent.
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| ==Additional Information==
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| *[[Torsade de Pointes and Polymorphic VT]] | | *[[Torsade de Pointes and Polymorphic VT]] |
| | *[[Long QT syndrome]] |
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| ==External Links==
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| [http://www.torsades.org/medical-pros/drug-lists/drug-lists.htm Torsade de Pointes related drug list]
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| ==Examples==
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| '''EKG's shown below are courtesy of [[C. Michael Gibson]] MS MD, and copylefted'''
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| <gallery perRow="3">
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| image:TdP.1.1.jpg|12 lead EKG at admission
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| image:TdP.1.2.1.jpg
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| image:TdP.1.2.2.jpg
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| image:TdP.1.3.1.jpg
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| image:TdP.1.3.2.jpg
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| image:TdP.1.4.1.jpg
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| image:TdP.1.4.2.jpg
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| image:TdP.1.5.1.jpg
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| image:TdP.1.5.2.jpg
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| image:TdP.1.6.1.jpg
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| image:TdP.1.6.2.jpg
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| image:TdP.1.7.jpg
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| </gallery>
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| '''Examples from different resources'''
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| <div align="left">
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| <gallery heights="175" widths="175">
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| image:shortcoupled_tdp1.jpg|Arrhythmias in a patient with short coupled torsade de pointes<ref>Leenhardt A, Glaser E, Burguera M, Nuernberg M, Maison-Blanche P, and Coumel P. Short-coupled variant of torsade de pointes. A new electrocardiographic entity in the spectrum of idiopathic ventricular tachyarrhythmias. Circulation 1994 Jan; 89(1) 206-15. PMID 8281648 </ref>
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| image:shortcoupled_tdp2.jpg|Arrhythmias in a patient with short coupled torsades de pointes degenerating in [[ventricular fibrillation]]<ref>Leenhardt A, Glaser E, Burguera M, Nuernberg M, Maison-Blanche P, and Coumel P. Short-coupled variant of torsade de pointes. A new electrocardiographic entity in the spectrum of idiopathic ventricular tachyarrhythmias. Circulation 1994 Jan; 89(1) 206-15. PMID 8281648 </ref>
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| </gallery>
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| </div>
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| <div align="left">
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| <gallery heights="175" widths="175">
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| image:shortcoupled_tdp3.jpg|Arrhythmias in a patient with short coupled torsade de pointes: frequent short coupled extrasystoles<ref>Leenhardt A, Glaser E, Burguera M, Nuernberg M, Maison-Blanche P, and Coumel P. Short-coupled variant of torsade de pointes. A new electrocardiographic entity in the spectrum of idiopathic ventricular tachyarrhythmias. Circulation 1994 Jan; 89(1) 206-15. PMID 8281648 </ref>
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| image:shortcoupled_tdp4.jpg|Arrhythmias in a patient with short coupled torsade de pointes: frequent short coupled extrasystoles <ref>Leenhardt A, Glaser E, Burguera M, Nuernberg M, Maison-Blanche P, and Coumel P. Short-coupled variant of torsade de pointes. A new electrocardiographic entity in the spectrum of idiopathic ventricular tachyarrhythmias. Circulation 1994 Jan; 89(1) 206-15. PMID 8281648 </ref>
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| </gallery>
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| </div>
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| <div align="left">
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| <gallery heights="175" widths="175">
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| image:12leadTorsade.jpg|A 12 lead ECG recording example of TdP<ref>Khan IA. Twelve-lead electrocardiogram of torsade de pointes Tex Heart Inst J. 2001; 28 (1): 69. PMID 11330748 </ref>
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| </gallery>
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| </div>
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| ==References==
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| {{Reflist|2}}
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| {{Electrocardiography}}
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| {{Circulatory system pathology}}
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| {{SIB}}
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| [[de:Torsade de pointes]]
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| [[pl:Torsade de pointes]] | | [[pl:Torsade de pointes]] |
| [[tr:Torsade de pointes]] | | [[tr:Torsade de pointes]] |
