Determinants of QTc Interval Prolongation in Patients with Hypopituitarism and Other Pituitary Disorders.

Background

Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is characterized by delayed myocardial repolarization, predisposing to malignant arrhythmias such as torsades de pointes, ventricular fibrillation, and cardiac arrest. Recent reports suggest that acquired LQTS (aLQTS) may represent an early manifestation of hypopituitarism, potentially contributing to its increased cardiovascular mortality, although evidence remains limited to 16 published case reports.

Objective

The objective was to investigate the relationship between hypopituitarism and corrected QT (QTc) interval.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed data from 185 patients (121 males) with hypothalamic-pituitary disorders who underwent a 12-lead electrocardiogram between April 2023 and September 2024. Clinical characteristics, hormone replacement therapy, and same-day laboratory parameters (electrolytes, fT3, fT4, IGF-I, testosterone) were recorded. QTc was calculated using Bazett's formula. Multivariate logistic regression identified predictors of QTc prolongation.

Results

Age (OR 1.07-1.09, p = 0.02) was a significant predictor in 5 of 8 models. The presence of expansive lesions other than pituitary adenomas, craniopharyngiomas, and Rathke's cleft cysts was also associated with QTc prolongation (OR 8.35-17.73, p < 0.05 and p = 0.03). Potassium (OR 0.14-0.17, p = 0.09) and albumin-corrected calcium levels (OR 0.0003, p = 0.06) showed consistent, though borderline, associations.

Conclusions

Age and the presence of expansive lesions other than pituitary adenomas, craniopharyngiomas, and Rathke's cleft cysts are the main predictors of QTc duration in patients with hypothalamic-pituitary disease. Electrolyte imbalances-particularly low potassium and albumin-corrected calcium-may further contribute. The influence of specific pituitary deficiencies remains uncertain, likely due to adequate replacement therapy in most patients.