A case of torsade de pointes associated with hypopituitarism due to hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome

J Korean Med Sci. 2001 Jun;16(3):355-9. doi: 10.3346/jkms.2001.16.3.355.

Abstract

We describe a 51-yr-old man presenting with syncope due to torsade de pointes. The torsade de pointes was refractory to conventional medical therapy, including infusion of isoproterenol, MgSO4, potassium, lidocaine, and amiodarone. His past history, physical findings, and hormone study confirmed that QT prolongation was caused by anterior hypopituitarism that developed as a sequela of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome. The long QT interval with deep inverted T wave was completely normalized 4 weeks after starting steroid and thyroid hormone replacement. Hormonal disorders should be considered as a cause of torsade de pointes, because this life-threatening arrhythmia can be treated by replacing the missing hormone.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome / complications*
  • Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome / physiopathology
  • Hormone Replacement Therapy
  • Humans
  • Hypopituitarism / drug therapy
  • Hypopituitarism / etiology*
  • Hypopituitarism / physiopathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Tachycardia, Ventricular
  • Torsades de Pointes / drug therapy
  • Torsades de Pointes / etiology*
  • Torsades de Pointes / physiopathology