Ephedrine-Triggered Torsades de Pointes in Two Patients Following Desflurane-Induced QT Prolongation

Shinichi Harada; Yoshihiko Kagawa; Ryuji Okamoto; Yosuke Sakakura; Kaoru Dohi

doi:10.1002/joa3.70396

Ephedrine-Triggered Torsades de Pointes in Two Patients Following Desflurane-Induced QT Prolongation

J Arrhythm. 2026 Jun 12;42(3):e70396. doi: 10.1002/joa3.70396. eCollection 2026 Jun.

Authors

Shinichi Harada¹, Yoshihiko Kagawa¹, Ryuji Okamoto¹, Yosuke Sakakura², Kaoru Dohi¹

Affiliations

¹ Department of Cardiology and Nephrology Mie University Graduate School of Medicine Tsu Mie Japan.
² Department of Anesthesiology Mie University Graduate School of Medicine Tsu Mie Japan.

Abstract

Desflurane-induced QT prolongation followed by ephedrine-triggered premature ventricular contractions led to torsades de pointes/ventricular fibrillation in two patients. These cases demonstrate sequential electrocardiographic progression and highlight the importance of careful vasopressor selection during general anesthesia.