[Therapeutic hypothermia-induced QT prolongation and “torsade de pointes” ventricular tachycardia].

The authors describe the course of disease in a 44-year-old female patient with autoimmune disease. After successful resuscitation following unexpected hospital ventricular fibrillation, the patient remained in a comatose state and therefore received therapeutic hypothermia. Hypothermic treatment resulted in significant QT prolongation and "torsade de pointes" ventricular tachycardia. The probable cause of arrhythmia is the QT prolongation caused by the hypothermia and the consequential early afterdepolarization and triggered activity. The authors draw attention to the fact that - to the best of our knowledge - milder hypothermia is recommended within the preset hypothermic range. Orv Hetil. 2022; 163(13): 523-526.