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Torsades de pointes is associated with long QT syndrome, a condition whereby prolonged QT intervals are visible on an ECG. Long QT intervals predispose the patient to an R-on-T phenomenon , wherein the R-wave, representing ventricular depolarization, occurs during the relative refractory period at the end of repolarization (represented by the ...
The term "torsades de pointes" is translated from French as "twisting of the peaks" because the complexes appear to undulate, or twist around, the EKG baseline. TdP can be acquired by inheritance of a congenital long QT syndrome , or more commonly from the ingestion of a pharmacologic drug.
Early afterdepolarizations can result in torsades de pointes, tachycardia, and other arrhythmias. [3] EADs can be triggered by hypokalemia and drugs that prolong the QT interval, including class Ia and III antiarrhythmic agents, as well as catecholamines. [1] Afterhyperpolarizations can also occur in cortical pyramidal neurons.
If a person with WPW experiences episodes of atrial fibrillation, the ECG shows a rapid polymorphic wide-complex tachycardia (without torsades de pointes). This combination of atrial fibrillation and WPW is considered dangerous, and most antiarrhythmic drugs are contraindicated. [citation needed]
However, at the current time, the term torsades de pointes is reserved for polymorphic VT occurring in the context of a prolonged resting QT interval. [ citation needed ] Another way to classify ventricular tachycardias is the duration of the episodes : Three or more beats in a row on an ECG that originate from the ventricle at a rate of more ...
These are typically a form of ventricular tachycardia known as Torsades de pointes which can cause faints, seizures, or even sudden death. [1] Less dangerous arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation also occur, causing symptoms of heart racing or palpitations. However, many of those with Romano–Ward syndrome will remain free from arrhythmias ...
[2] [1] [6] Diagnosis is by an electrocardiogram (ECG) showing irregular unformed QRS complexes without any clear P waves. [1] An important differential diagnosis is torsades de pointes. [1] Treatment is with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation. [3] Biphasic defibrillation may be better than monophasic. [3]
It is usually a regular, wide complex tachycardia with a rate between 120 and 250 beats per minute. A medically significant subvariant of ventricular tachycardia is called torsades de pointes (literally meaning "twisting of the points", due to its appearance on an EKG), which tends to result from a long QT interval. [18]