Torsade de pointe atypical ventricular tachycardia complicating subarachnoid hemorrhage

Abstract

We report the findings in a patient in whom prolongation of the Q-T interval and torsade de pointe ventricular tachycardia occurred as a complication of intracerebral and subarchnoid hemorrhage. The dysrhythmia did not recur after treatment with propranolol. Prolongation of the Q-T interval occurs frequently in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage, causing a predisposition to torsade de pointe ventricular tachycardia. Propranolol, by blocking excessive sympathetic stimulation and shortening the Q-T interval, may be effective therapy for ventricular dysrhythmias associated with subarachnoid hemorrhage.