[CME ECC 66: Torsade de Pointes: The Danger of a Rotating Heart Axis].

CME ECC 66: Torsade de Pointes: The Danger of a Rotating Heart Axis Abstract. Torsade de pointes tachycardia is a potentially life-threatening heart rhythm disorder, caused by prolongation of the QT-interval resulting in triggered activity. This QT-prolongation can be congenital or acquired. If acquired, it is mainly caused by pharmacological therapy. The hallmark of torsade de pointes is an undulating QRS axis with a twist of the QRS complex around the ECG's baseline. Often, this polymorphic ventricular tachycardia is self-limiting, but degeneration into ventricular fibrillation is possible, which makes torsade de pointes tachycardia dangerous. This article aims to provide insights into etiology, diagnostics, prevention and management of this heart rhythm disorder.