Class III Antiarrhythmics and Periprocedural Torsades de Pointes

Abstract

This case series describes 2 women on prolonged therapy with class III antiarrhythmics who developed torsades de pointes polymorphic ventricular tachycardia in the setting of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation as a result of QTc prolonging factors. Clinicians must exercise increased vigilance in the perioperative period in patients on QTc-prolonging medications. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.)

Keywords

• ablation
• atrial fibrillation
• bradycardia
• electrolyte imbalance
• electrophysiology
• risk factor