Long QT-Syndrome With Torsades de Pointes Managed Considering Financial Constraints Faced by the Patient.

ABSTRACT

Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is a rare arrhythmogenic condition characterized by abnormally long QT intervals on an electrocardiogram. The prevalence varies between 1 in 3000 and 1 in 10,000 but often remains undiagnosed. It is responsible for 3000 to 4000 sudden deaths among children and adults in the United States alone. LQTS can lead to torsades de pointes which is seen as twisting of QRS complex on electrocardiogram. We report a case of a 35-year-old patient with LQTS who presented with syncope and was found to have torsades de pointes. After acute management the patient was advised for automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator (AICD) but because of financial constraints, she was placed on beta-blockers and permanent pacemaker.