SEPTIC CARDIOMYOPATHY AS A CAUSE OF LONG QT SYNDROME

A 63-year-old woman admitted with 2:1 infranodal atrioventricular bloc k subsequently developed ventricular dysfunction incident to septic sy ndrome. Concomitant changes included an abnormally prolonged QTc inter val (600 ms) and the occurrence of torsade de pointes. Restoration of a normal QTc interval and cessation of torsade de pointes was coincide nt with return of normal ventricular function and remission of sepsis. This report supports the view that sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy is a nother cause of the long QT syndrome.