Torsades De Pointes Complicating Acute Myocardial Infarction, Twisting the Prognosis

Abstract

Introduction Torsades de pointes (TdP), a form of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia that manifests in the setting of an acquired or congenital QT interval prolongation. Polymorphic VT can occur in hyper acute phase or healing phase of an acute myocardial infarction. The presence of necrotic area caused by the infarction explains the existence of a possible circuit as well as the appearance of a re-entry arrhythmia. Aims and Objectives Our aim is to study the incidence of long Qt induced TdP in acute MI patients and its prognostic implications. We also want to analyze the impact of primary percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty in the management of these subset of patients. Methods In this cross-sectional observational study done from May 2021 to May 2022, We have studied 320 cases of acute MI, of which 6 were found to have TdP (1.9%). Four patients had inferior wall myocardial infarction and 2 patients had Non-ST elevation MI. Thrombolysis was done in 2 cases. Two cases underwent primary angioplasty. One case was recommended for coronary artery bypass grafting. All cases underwent appropriate electrolyte correction, besides cardioversion, as needed. Results All patients with TdP had prolonged QT interval. 50% of patients had mild hypokalemia. Two patients had complete heart block. Three patients had severe left ventricular dysfunction. Patients who underwent primary angioplasty survived. Thrombolysis had less impact on survival in Acute Mi with TdP. Conclusion Early percutaneous coronary angioplasty, combined with electrolyte correction, improves the prognosis in TdP complicating acute MI.