What is Torsades de Pointes?

As a medical professional with expertise in cardiology, I can provide you with an accurate description of Torsades de Pointes. Torsades de Pointes is a type of life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm, also known as a polymorphic ventricular tachycardia. It is characterized by rapid and irregular heartbeats that can lead to a sudden loss of consciousness or even death if not treated promptly. The term "Torsades de Pointes" is French for "twisting of the points," which describes the pattern seen on an electrocardiogram (ECG) during this arrhythmia. The condition is often associated with a prolonged QT interval on the ECG, which is a measure of the time between the start of the Q wave and the end of the T wave. A prolonged QT interval can be congenital (inherited) or acquired due to certain medications, electrolyte imbalances, or other medical conditions. Treatment for Torsades de Pointes typically involves correcting the underlying cause, such as discontinuing the medication causing the issue or correcting electrolyte imbalances. In emergency situations, medications like magnesium sulfate may be administered to stabilize the heart rhythm.

Torsades de pointes is a specific form of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia in patients with a long QT interval. It is characterized by rapid, irregular QRS complexes, which appear to be twisting around the ECG baseline. This arrhythmia may cease spontaneously or degenerate into ventricular fibrillation.