Polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, long Q-T syndrome, and torsades de pointes

Polymorphic ventricular tachycardia is an uncommon arrhythmia with multiple causes. Classification and management are based on the QT interval. Torsad es de pointes denotes polymorphic ventricular tachycardia in the setting of a prolonged QT interval and usually is iatrogenic in origin, though the co ngenital long QT syndrome is becoming recognized more frequently. Therapy o f polymorphic ventricular tachycardia focuses on the establishment of hemod ynamic stability, the removal and/or correction of precipitants,and the acu te and chronic inhibition of subsequent episodes. Long-term management must be tailored to the individual and the underlying causes, and should be per formed by an experienced cardiac electrophysiologist.