Drug-Induced Long QT Syndrome - Clinical and Analytical Aspects for Medical Examiners

Abstract

The long QT syndrome may occur due to genetic aberrations of cardiac transcellular ionic transporters, but also occurs secondary to a wide range of therapeutic and illicit drugs. This review will outline how the interaction of the blockade of the cardiac ion channels with drugs may lead to death from the long QT syndrome. Toxicology laboratories have a role, although somewhat limited, in supporting the investigation of sudden adult death and the contribution to the etiology of the long QT syndrome.