Q-T interval prolongation and pleomorphic ventricular tachyarrhythmia (`Torsade de pointes') in organophosphate poisoning: report of a case

Abstract

1 A 63-year-old woman presented with drowsy consciousness and dyspnea, followed by respiratory failure, after taking a bottle of parathion for suicide.

2 Sinus tachycardia was noted initially by ECG and Q-T interval prolongation with pleomorphic ventricular tachyarrhythmia (`Torsade de pointes') occurred on the third day of admission.

3 Torsade de pointes was relieved by magnesium sulfate and atropine sulfate intravenously. Q-T interval returned to normal on the fifth day of admission.

4 Practicing physicians should be aware of this uncommon type of cardiac toxicity caused by organophosphate poisoning, Q-T interval prolongation and pleomorphic ventricular tachyarrhythmia.

Keywords

Q-T prolongation Torsade de pointes organo-phosphate poisoning

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