A Case of Ventricular Fibrillation in Masked Long-QT Syndrome Coexisting with Coronary Vasospasm

Int Heart J. 2024;65(2):354-358. doi: 10.1536/ihj.23-397.

Abstract

Although long-QT syndrome (LQTS) with a normal range QT interval at rest leads to fatal ventricular arrhythmias, it is difficult to diagnose. In this article, we present a rare case of a patient who suffered a cardiac arrest and was recently diagnosed with LQTS and coronary vasospasm. A 62-year-old man with no syncopal episodes had a cardiopulmonary arrest while running. During coronary angiography, vasospasm was induced and we prescribed coronary vasodilators, including calcium channel blockers. An exercise stress test was performed to evaluate the effect of medications and accidentally unveiled exercise-induced QT prolongation. He was diagnosed with LQTS based on diagnostic criteria. Pharmacotherapy and an implantable cardioverter defibrillator were used for his medical management. It is extremely rare for LQTS and coronary vasospasm to coexist. In cases of exercise-induced arrhythmic events, the exercise stress test might be helpful to diagnose underlying disease.

Keywords: Exercise stress test; Implantable cardioverter defibrillator; Ventricular fibrillation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Arrhythmias, Cardiac / complications
  • Coronary Vasospasm* / complications
  • Coronary Vasospasm* / diagnosis
  • Electrocardiography
  • Heart Arrest* / complications
  • Humans
  • Long QT Syndrome* / complications
  • Long QT Syndrome* / diagnosis
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Ventricular Fibrillation / complications
  • Ventricular Fibrillation / diagnosis