Skip to main content

Part of the book series: Developments in Cardiovascular Medicine ((DICM,volume 81))

  • 75 Accesses

Abstract

Torsades de pointe were described by Dessertenne as a variety of non-sustained polymorphous ventricular tachycardia in subjects presenting bradycardia due to atrio-ventricular block [1]. The name ‘torsades de pointe’ is now universally accepted and is preferred to other synonyms referring to the same aspect of the waves in the ectopic ventricular complexes: ventricular pseudofibrillation [2], transitory ventriculation [3], transitory recurrent ventricular fibrillation [4], paroxistic ventricular fibrillation [5], cardiac ballet [6], ventricular fibrilloflutter [7], polymorphious ventricular tachycardia [8], multiform ventricular tachycardia [9] and helicoidal tachycardia [10].

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 39.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 54.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  1. Abinader EG, Shahar J, P. Puech: Possible female preponderance in prenylamine - induced Torsades de pointes’ Tachycardia. Cardiology, 1983; 70: 37–40.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  2. Azpitarte Almagro J, Casero A, Melgares R: Torsade de pointes inducida por disopiramida. Presentación de un caso de evolución fatal. Rev Esp Cardiolog 1984; 37: 145–148.

    Google Scholar 

  3. Bardy GH, Ungerleider RM, Smith WM, Ideker RE: A mechanism of Torsades de pointes in a canine model. Circulation 1983; 67: 52–59.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  4. Bauman JL, Bauernfeind RA, Hoff JV, Strasberg B, Swiryn S, Rosen KM: Torsades de pointes due to quinidine: observations in 31 patients. Am Heart J 1984; 107: 425–430.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  5. Bennett KR: Torsade de pointes and mitral valve prolapse. Am J Cardiol 1980; 45: 715.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  6. Bens JL, Duboisset, Quiret JC, Lesbre J Ph, Bernasconi P: Syncopes par torsades de pointe induites ou favorisées par la prénylamine. Arch Mal Cœur 1973; 66: 1247–1254.

    Google Scholar 

  7. Botti G, Bonatti V: Pathogenesis of ventricular arrhythmias in long QT syndromes. In: Masoni A, Alboni P (ed) Cardiac electrophysiology today. Academic Press, London and New-York, 1982; 291–305.

    Google Scholar 

  8. Brachmann J, Scherlag BJ, Rosenstraukh LV, Lazzara R: Bradycardia-dependent triggered activity: relevance to drug-induced multiform ventricular tachycardia. Circulation 1983; 68: 846–856.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. Brochier M, Fauchier JP: Torsades de pointes et ré-entrées provoquées par les antiarhyth- miques. Arch Mal Cœur 1978; 71: 477–482.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  10. Castellanos A, Salhanick L: Electrocardiographic pattern of procainamide toxicity. Am J Med Sci 1967; 253: 52–60.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. Coumel Ph, Fidelle J, Lucet V, Attuel P, Bouvrain Y: Catecholamine-induced severe ventricular arrhythmias with Adams-Stokes syndrome in children. Report of four cases. Br Heart J 1978; 40 (suppl): 28–37.

    Google Scholar 

  12. Damiano BP, Rosen MR: Effects of pacing on triggered activity induced by early after depolarizations. Circulation 1984; 69: 1013–1025.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  13. Dany F, Merle L, Goudoud JC, Liozon F, Blanc P, Bouvot JC, Nicot G, Dangoumau J: Les accidents cardiaques de la vincamine. Therapie 1981; 36: 55–64.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  14. Dessertenne F: La tachycardie ventriculaire à deux foyers opposés variables. Arch Mal Cœur 1966; 59: 263–272.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  15. Evans TR, Curry PVL, Fitchet DH, Krikler DM: ‘Torsades de pointes’ initiated by electrical stimulation. J Electrocardiol 1976; 9: 255–258.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  16. Fauchier JP, Lanfranchi S, Ginies G, Raynaud R: Syncopes par ‘torsades de pointe’ au cours d’un traitement par la chloroquine. Ann Cardiol Angeiol 1974; 23: 341.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  17. Fazekas T, Kiss Z: Torsade de pointes ventricular tachycardia associated with lidoflazine therapy. Eur Heart J 1984; 5: 343.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  18. Fontaine G, Frank R, Lascault G, Tonet JL, Fillette F, Grosgogeat Y: Torsades de pointes favorisées par stimulations ventriculaires à rythme lent. Arch Mal Cœur 1983; 76: 918–924.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  19. Forfar JC, Gribbin B: Torsade de pointes after amiodarone with drawal of wild hypokalaemia on repolarization. Eur Heart J 1984; 5: 510–512.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  20. Fowler NO, Mc Call D, Chou T, Holmes JC, Hanenson IB: Electrocardiographic changes and cardiac arrhythmias in patients receiving psychotropic drugs. Am J Cardiol 1976; 37: 223–230.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  21. Goldsmith S, From AHL: Arsenic-induced atypical ventricular tachycardia. N Engl J Med 1980; 303: 1096–1098.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  22. Gonzalez-Hermosillo JA, Cardenas M, Hurtado BL, Vidal J: Taquicardia ventricular helicoidal (‘torsades de pointes’). Arch Inst Cardiol México 1977; 47: 5.

    Google Scholar 

  23. Grenadier E, Alpan G, Maor N, Keidar S, Binenboim C, Margulies T, Palant A: Polymorphous ventricular tachycardia in acute myocardial infarction. Am J Cardiol 1984; 53: 1280–1283.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  24. Guillou M, Ceriou A, Blanc JJ, Boschat J, Granatelli D, Penther D: Torsades de pointes; responsabilité eventuelle d’un vasodilatateur périphérique, le fénoxédil. Nouv Presse Méd 1975; 4: 29.

    Google Scholar 

  25. Hanley SP, Hampton JR: Ventricular arrhythmia associated with lidoflazine: side-effects observed in a randomized trial. Eur Heart J 1983; 4: 889–893.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  26. Herrmann HC, Kaplan LM, Bierer BE: QT prolongation and Torsades de pointes tachycardia produced by the tetracylic anti-depressant agent maprotiline. Am J Cardiol 1983; 51: 904–906.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  27. Horowitz LN, Greespan AM, Spielman SR, Josephson ME: Torsades de pointes: electrophysiologic studies in patients without transient pharmacologic or metabolic abnormalities. Circulation 1981; 63: 1120–1128.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  28. Isner JM, Sours HE, Paris AL, Ferrans VJ, Roberts WC: Sudden unexpected death in avid dieters using the liquid protein modified fast diet: observations in 17 patients ant the role of the prolonged QT interval. Circulation 1979; 60: 1401–1412.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  29. Jenzer HR, Hagemeijer F: Quinidine syncope: Torsades de pointes with low quinidine plasma concentrations. Eur J Cardiol 1976; 4: 447–451.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  30. Keren A, Tzivoni D, Gavish D, Levi J, Gottlieb S, Benhorin J, Stern S: Etiology, warning signs and therapy of Torsade de pointes. A study of ten patients. Circulation 1981; 64: 1167–1174.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  31. Khan M, Logan KR, Mc Coomb JM, Adger AAJ: Management of recurrent ventricular tachy-arrhythmias associated with QT prolongation. Am J Cardiol 1981; 47: 1301–1308.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  32. Kirkler DM, Curry PVL: ‘Torsades de pointes’ and atypical ventricular tachycardia. Brit Heart J 1976; 38: 117–120.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  33. Kiss Z, Fazckas T: Arrhythmias in organophosphate poisonings. Acta Cardiol 1979; 34: 3223–2330.

    Google Scholar 

  34. Langou RA, van Dyke C, Tahan SR, Cohen RS: Cardiovascular manifestacions of tricyclic anti-depressant overdose. Am Heart J 1980; 100: 458–464.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  35. Laprevotte-Heully MC, Lambert H, Larcan A: Syncopes par torsades de pointes. Rôle de la vincamine. A propos de 3 observations. Nouv Presse Méd 1974; 3: 13.

    Google Scholar 

  36. Lathour H, Puech P, Hertault J, Stefanou G, Grolleau R, Simorre R, Sat M: Syncopes après reduction de fibrillation auriculaire par choc électrique et hydroquinidine. Arch Mal Cœur 1966; 59: 533.

    Google Scholar 

  37. Leclercq JF, Maisonblanche P, Cauchemez B, Atuel P, Coumel Ph: Troubles du rythme ventriculaires polymorphes familiaux incessants avec anomalies de la repolarisation ventriculaire forme frontière du syndrome du QT long congenital? Arch Mal Cœur 1984; 77: 1013–1019.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  38. Leclerq JF, Kural S, Valere PE: Bépridil et torsades de pointe. Arch Mal Cœur 1983; 76: 341–347.

    Google Scholar 

  39. Lestringant A: Torsades de pointe sous traitement par bêtalactamines. Thèse Montpellier, mai 1982.

    Google Scholar 

  40. Loeb HS, Pietras RS, Gunnar RM, Tobin JR: Paroxysmal ventricular fibrillation in two patients with hypomagnesemia. Treatment by transvenous pacing. Circulation 1968; 37: 210.

    Google Scholar 

  41. Lucet V, Dongoc D, Toumieux MC, Mercier JN, Fidelle J: Torsades de pointe chez l’enfant. Rôle possible du diphémanil. Presse Méd 1984; 13: 1979.

    Google Scholar 

  42. Ludomirsky A, Klein HO, Sarelli P, Becker B, Hoffman S, Taitelman U, Barzilai J, Lang R, David D, Disegni E, Kaplinsky E: QT prolongation and polymorphous (‘Torsade de pointes’) ventricular arrhythmias associated with organophosphorous insecticide poisoining. Am J Cardiol 1982; 49: 1654–1658.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  43. Luomanmäki K, Keikkilä J, Hartikainem M: T wave alternons associated with heart failure and hypomagnesemia in alcoholic cardiomyopathy. Eur J Cardiol 1975; 3: 1167.

    Google Scholar 

  44. McCoomb JM, Logan KR, Khan MM, Geddes JS, Adgey AAJ: Amiodarone induced ventricular fibrillation. Eur J Cardiol 1980; 11: 381–385.

    Google Scholar 

  45. McKibbin JK, Pololck WA, Barlow JB, Scott Millar RN, Obel IW: Sotalol, hypokalaemia, syncope and torsade de pointes. Br Heart J 1984; 51: 157–162.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  46. McWilliam JA: Some applications of physiology to medicine. II, Ventricular fibrillation and sudden death. Br Med J 1923; 2: 215.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  47. Mikolich JR, Jacobs WC, Fletcher GF, Cardiac arrhythmias in patients with acute cerebro vascular accidents. JAMA 1981; 246: 1314–1317.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  48. Motte G, Laine JF, Sebag C, Davy JM: Torsades de pointe favorisées par l’atropine. Nouv Presse Méd 1982; 11: 3571–3572.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  49. Motte G, Coumel Ph, Abitbol G, Dessertenne F, Slama R: Le synchrone QT long et syncopes par Torsades de pointes. Arch Mal Cœur 1970; 63: 831–853.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  50. Navarro-López F, Cinca J, Sanz G, Periz A, Magrina J, Betriu A: Isolated T wave alternans. Am Heart J 1978; 95: 369–374.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  51. Neuvonen PH, Elonen E, Vuorenmaa T, Laasko M: Prolonged QT interval and severe tachyarrhythmias, common features of sotalol intoxication. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 1981; 20: 85–89.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  52. Normand JP, Kahn JC, Mialet G, Bardet J, Bourdarias JP, Mathivat A: Torsades de pointes induites ou favorisées par la prénylamine. Ann Cardiol Angeiol 1974; 23: 527–533.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  53. Olshansky B, Martins J, Hunt S: N-acetylprocainamide causing torsades de pointes. Am J Cardiol 1982; 50: 1439–1441.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  54. Pernot C, Henry M, Aigle JC: Syndrome cardio-auditif de Jerwell et Torsades de pointes. Arch Mal Cœur 1972; 65: 261.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  55. Puech P, Bosc E, Grolleau R, Cabasson J, Mellet JM, Ferriere M: Troubles du rythme cardiaque lies aux fénoxédil. Ann Cardiol Angeiol 1976; 25: 297–302.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  56. Puritz R, Henderson MA, Baxer SN, Chamberlain DA: Ventricular arrhythmias caused by prenylamine. Br Med J 1977; 2: 608–609.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  57. Ranquin R, Parizel G: Ventriculor fibrillo-flutter (torsade de pointe): an established electrocardiographic and clinical entity. Angiology 1977; 28: 115–118.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  58. Salvador M, Thomas C, Mazeno M, Conte J, Meriel P, Lesbre P: Troubles du rythme directement induits ou favorisées par les déplétions potassiques. Arch Mal Cœur 1970; 63: 230–257.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  59. Santinelli V, Chiariello M, Santinelli C, Condorelli M: Ventricular tachyarrhythmias complicating amiodarone therapy in the presence of hypokaliemia. Am J Cardiol 1984; 53: 1462–1463.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  60. Sawaya JJ, Rubeiz GA: Prinzmetal’s angina with Torsades de pointe ventricular tachycardia. Acta Cardiol 1980; 35: 47.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  61. Scagliotti D, Strasberg B, Hai HA, Kehoe R, Rosen K: Aprindine-induced polymorphous ventricular tachycardia. Am J Cardiol 1982; 49: 1297, 1300.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  62. Schwartz SP, Hallinger LN: Transient ventricular fibrillation. Amer Heart J 1954; 48: 390–404.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  63. Sclarovsky S, Lewin RF, Krakoff O, Strasberg B, Arditti A, Agmon J: Amiodarone induced polymorphous ventricular tachycardia. Am Heart J 1983; 105: 6–11.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  64. Sclarovsky S, Strasberg B, Lewin RF, Agmon J: Polymorphous ventricular tachycardia: clinical features and treatment. Am J Cardiol 1979; 44: 339.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  65. Selzer A, Wray HW: Quinidine syncope, paroxysmal ventricular fibrillation occuring during treatment of chronic atrial arrhythmias. Circulation 1964; 30: 17.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  66. Slama R, Coumel Ph, Motte G, Gourdon R, Wayenberger M, Touche S: Tachycardies ventriculaires. Fontières morphologiques entre les dysrythmies ventriculaires. Arch Mal Cœur 1973; 66: 1401–1411.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  67. Smirk FM: Cardiac ballet: repetitions of complex electrocardiographic patterns. Br Heart J 1969; 31: 426.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  68. Soffer J, Dreifus LS, Michelson EL: Polymorphous ventricular tachycardia associated with normal and long QT intervals. Am J Cardiol 1982; 49: 2021–2029.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  69. Strasberg B, Sclarovsky S, Erdberg A, Duffy CE, Lam W, Swiryn S, Agmon J, Rosen KM: Procainamide-induced polymorphous ventricular tachycardia. Am J Cardiol 1981; 47: 1309–1314.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  70. Strasberg B, Welch W, Palileo E, Swiryn S, Bauernfeind R, Rosen KM: Familial inducible Torsade de pointes with normal QT interval. Eur Heart J 1983; 4: 383–391.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  71. Tamura K, Tamura T, Yoshida S, Inui M, Fukuhara N: Transient recurrent ventricular fibrillation due to hypopotassemia with special note on the U wave. Jpn Heart J 1967; 8: 652.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  72. Taylor GJ, Crampton RS, Gibson RS, Stebbins PT, Waldman MT, Beller GA: Prolonged QT interval at onset of acute myocardial infarction in predicting early phase ventricular tachycardia. Am Heart J 1981; 102: 16–24.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  73. Tzivoni D, Keren A, Cohen AM, Loebel H, Zahavi I, Chenzbraun A, Stern S: Magnesium therapy for Torsades de pointes. Am J Cardiol 1984; 53: 528–530.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  74. Veglia L, Scandifio T, Guenicchio G: ‘Torsioni di punta’ e amiodarone. G Ital Cardiol 1978; 8:1025.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  75. Vidal J, Hernández Guevara JL, Cárdenas M: Taquicardia ventricular helicoidal, ‘Torsades de pointe’ en el infarto agudo del miocardio. Arch Inst Cardiol México, 1983; 53: 237–245.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  76. Wald RW, Waxman MB, Colman JM: Torsade de pointes ventricular tachycardia. A complication of disopyramide shared with quinidine. J Electrocardiol 1981; 14: 301–307.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  77. Wellens HJ: Value and limitations of programmed electrical stimulation of the heart in the study and treatment of tachycardias. Circulation 1978; 57: 845–853.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  78. Wellens HJ: Quoted by Fontaine et al. [18].

    Google Scholar 

  79. Wiggers CJ: Studies on ventricular fibrillation caused by electric shock. Am Heart J 1929; 5: 351.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  80. Zilcher H, Glogar D, Kaindl F: Torsades de pointe: occurence in myocardial ischaemia as a separate entity. Multiform ventricular tachycardia or not? Eur Heart J 1980; 1: 63–71.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Authors

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 1988 Kluwer Academic Publishers

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Puech, P., Gallay, P. (1988). Torsades de Pointe. In: de Luna, A.B., Betriu, A., Permanyer, G. (eds) Therapeutics in Cardiology. Developments in Cardiovascular Medicine, vol 81. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-1333-2_8

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-1333-2_8

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht

  • Print ISBN: 978-94-010-7094-2

  • Online ISBN: 978-94-009-1333-2

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

Publish with us

Policies and ethics