Torsade de pointes indicates early neurologic damage in acute ischemic stroke

Am J Emerg Med. 2013 Dec;31(12):1719.e5-7. doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2013.07.007. Epub 2013 Sep 23.

Abstract

Torsade de pointes (TdP) is a life-threatening polymorphic ventricular tachycardia that is related to QT prolongation. Although QT prolongation is commonly seen in acute stroke, TdP is rare. We report the case of a 78-year-old woman with ischemic stroke who presented with TdP as the initial manifestation of early neurologic deterioration. We hypothesized that an increase in intracranial pressure may result in neurohormonal activation, QT prolongation, and then myocardial damage, leading to TdP. We highlight that new onset of TdP in a patient with stroke may reflect neurologic deterioration, requiring further evaluation and specific intervention.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Brain Ischemia / complications*
  • Brain Ischemia / diagnostic imaging
  • Disease Progression
  • Electrocardiography
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Stroke / complications*
  • Stroke / diagnostic imaging
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Torsades de Pointes / etiology*