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Short QT
From WikEM
Background
- Clinically important due to potential to cause atrial and ventricular tachycardias, syncope, and sudden cardiac arrest
Etiology
- Congenital short QT syndrome (rare, but important cause of sudden cardiac death)
- Hypercalcemia
- Hyperkalemia
- Digoxin toxicity
- Acidosis
- SIRS
- ACS
- Increased vagal tone
Clinical features
- Syncope
- Cardiac arrest
- Palpitations
- ECG findings:
- QTc < 360 (males) or <370 (females)
- In congenital short QT, also have:
- Lack of normal QT changes with HR
- Peaked T waves (especially in precordial leads)
- Short or absent ST segments
- +/- early repolarization
Management
- Evaluate for and treat underlying causes
- Congenital short QT: refer to cardiology, may need ICD
References
- Merino JL and Reviriego. Short QT Syndrome: An article from the E-Journal of the ESC Council for Cardiology Practice. Vol. 9, N° 2 - 17 Sep 2010. http://www.escardio.org/Guidelines-&-Education/Journals-and-publications/ESC-journals-family/E-journal-of-Cardiology-Practice/Volume-9/Short-QT-Syndrome.
Authors
Kevin Lu, Claire, Neil Young, Daniel Ostermayer, Ross Donaldson
