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Long QT syndrome and anaesthesia

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  16 August 2006

N. A. Wisely  and
E. A. Shipton
N. A. Wisely
Affiliation:
University of Otago, Department of Anaesthesia, Christchurch School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Christchurch, New Zealand
E. A. Shipton
Affiliation:
University of Otago, Department of Anaesthesia, Christchurch School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Christchurch, New Zealand
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Abstract

The long QT syndrome is a disorder of myocardial electrical conduction that leaves the heart vulnerable to the ventricular tachydysrhythmia torsade de pointes. Clinically, this results in syncope or sudden death. The long QT syndrome may be congenital, if caused by abnormal myocardial potassium or sodium ion channels, or acquired, if due to drugs, electrolyte abnormalities or metabolic conditions. Triggers for the development of torsade de pointes include both anaesthesia and surgery. Some anaesthetic agents prolong the QT interval. The condition is reviewed and suggestions are made for the anaesthetic management of affected patients.

Keywords

anaesthesia generalheart diseasesarrhythmialong QT syndrome
Type
Review
Information
European Journal of Anaesthesiology , Volume 19 , Issue 12 , December 2002 , pp. 853 - 859
Copyright
2002 European Society of Anaesthesiology

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