Torsades de pointes pathophysiology
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Torsades de pointes Microchapters |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
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Overview
Torsades de pointes is defined as the presence of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia with a prolonged QT segment on EKG. It can occur for a variety of reasons, including as a complication of congenital long QT syndrome, due to taking certain medications, or due to electrolyte abnormalities such as hypomagnesemia or hypokalemia
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
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