Diagnostic lacunae and implications of an automated implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantation in a child with type 3 Long QT (LQT3) syndrome

Abstract

A diagnosis of congenital long QT interval syndrome based on history and electrocardiogram was made in a child in the absence of readily available genetic testing. A genotype 3 (LQT3) was suspected after exclusion of other variants as the child was non-responsive to beta-blocker and sodium channel blocker medication. As the child continues to show episodic bradycardia, polymorphic ventricular ectopy, and T-wave alternans, a single-chamber automated implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implantation was done successfully. This report highlights how the diagnosis of LQT3 was arrived at as well as the anesthetic challenges in the management of patients with LQTS.

Keywords

• anti-arrhythmia agents/administration and dosage
• defibrillators
• electrocardiography
• implantable
• long qt syndrome/diagnosis
• long qt syndrome/drug therapy
• voltage-gated sodium channel blockers/administration and dosage