Drug induced QT prolongation and torsades de pointes

Abstract

n 1966, Francois Dessertenne described a specific electrocardiographic form of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, which he termed ''torsades de pointes'' (TdP). w1 w2 The word ''torsades'' refers to an ornamental motif imitating twisted hairs or threads as seen on classical architectural columns, and ''pointes'' referred to points or peaks. w1 w2 In the seminal article, Dessertenne made no attempt to suggest the mechanism of TdP and, until recently, there has been considerable conjecture as to the pathophysiology of this arrhythmia.