Torsades de pointes pathophysiology

Torsades de pointes Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Torsades de pointes from other Diseases
Risk Factors
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
Electrocardiogram
EKG Examples
Echocardiography
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
Torsades de pointes pathophysiology On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Torsades de pointes pathophysiology All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Torsades de pointes pathophysiology
CDC on Torsades de pointes pathophysiology
Torsades de pointes pathophysiology in the news
Blogs on Torsades de pointes pathophysiology
Directions to Hospitals Treating Torsades de pointes
Risk calculators and risk factors for Torsades de pointes pathophysiology

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Please help WikiDoc by adding more content here. It's easy! Click here to learn about editing.

Pathophysiology

Torsade de pointes is characterized by constantly changing rhythm amplitude. 'Torsade de pointes' in French means "Twisting of the Points". The changing rhythm amplitudes comes from the ventricular depolarizing waves constantly shifting its axis. It is usually caused by hypomagnesemia, hypokalemia, and malnourished alcoholics. Although Torsades de Pointes (TdP) is a rare ventricular arrhythmia, it can degenerate into ventricular fibrillation, leading to death without rapid medical intervention. TdP is associated with long QT syndrome, a condition whereby prolonged QT intervals are visible on the ECG.

Video: Torsade de pointes

{{#ev:youtube|1ccTO6fNobU}}

{{#ev:youtube|JDumoHHZocA}}