Clinical Aspects and Case Management in a Patient with Long QT Syndrome, Probably Genetic

Abstract

Abstract We present the evaluation of a 82 years old patient, diagnosed with long QT syndrome at 75 years (QTc =550 ms) and obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy from 2011, complicated with ventricular fibrillation and torsade de pointes (QTc =840ms). In this situation, it was decided to follow via electrocardiography (ECG) her first and second degree relatives (daughter - 53 years old – QTc =505 ms, granddaughter - 23 years old – QTc =448ms), and to inform them about the importance of performing the cardiac echography to exclude a possible obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and of the genetic testing. After the implantation of the ICD (implantable cardiac defibrillator) and on treatment with beta-blockers, the patient did not repeat any arrhythmic events, but still had the same electrocardiographic aspect of long QT interval. Due to the fact that the patient had a lot of other diseases, the administration of treatment which can prolong the QT interval was avoided. Long QT syndrome represents a congenital or acquired pathology, which sometimes can be induced by some drugs, and requires a correct diagnosis in order to establish an individualized pharmaceutical or surgical treatment, and to prevent the risk of sudden death by cardiac arrhythmias.