Revised: July 24, 2013
Accepted: July 30, 2013
Published online: September 28, 2013
Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is a cardiac conduction disorder that predisposes patients at potentially fatal cardiac events. Inherited conditions and acquired factors contribute to LQTS. A number of frequently prescribed CNS-active drugs prolong the QT interval. The clinical neurologist may encounter LQTS when initiating a pharmacotherapy or when increasing the dosage of drugs. The clinical neurologist may also encounter LQTS during the diagnostic work-up of patients with unexplained loss of consciousness, because LQTS may present as convulsive syncope. Some studies report an association of LQTS and stroke. Awareness of LQTS may help to recognize and prevent potentially fatal cardiac events associated with LQTS. This concise article highlights the clinically most relevant aspects of LQTS in the field of neurology.
Core tip: Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is a potentially fatal condition. Considering the fact that many CNS-active drugs prolong the QT interval and considering the fact that diagnosis of LQTS may be missed in neurological patients with unexplained loss of consciousness, this concise article highlights the most relevant aspects of LQTS for clinical neurologists.