Torsade de Pointes with Presentation of Seizure in the Ischemic Heart Disease Context: A Case Report

Abstract

Introduction: Torsade de pointes (TdP) is a devastating form of ventricular arrhythmia, mainly associated with prolongation of corrected QT (QTc) interval. In general, a TdP episode terminates spontaneously, produces syncopal episodes, or degenerates lethal arrhythmias. There are few reports on TdP in the context of ischemic heart disease (IHD). The present report describes a case of TdP in an IHD patient with presentation of seizure. Case Presentation: We describe the case of a 64-year-old man with a history of diabetes, complaint of chest discomfort, and diagnosis of unstable angina. The patient experienced recurrent myoclonic jerks, as well as transient, but progressive changes in consciousness; however, they were related to cardiac arrhythmia rather than a brain disorder. Conclusions: Cardiac arrhythmias, similar to TdP episodes, should be taken into consideration in the management of IHD patients with seizure.