Key result
Administration of nebulized albuterol in a patient with thiazide-induced electrolyte abnormalities unmasked underlying Type 1 Long QT Syndrome, prolonging the QTc interval to 633 ms.
Case Report (n=1)
Absolute Event Rate: 633% vs 423%
Congenital Long QT syndrome can be electrocardiographically silent and unmasked by QT-prolonging medications like albuterol and electrolyte abnormalities induced by diuretics.
INTRODUCTION: Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is an uncommon disorder that can lead to potentially life-threatening dysrhythmias. LQTS can be genetic, acquired, or both. CASE REPORT: A 44-year-old female with well-controlled hypertension and asthma presented with chest tightness. An initial electrocardiogram yielded a normal corrected QT interval of 423 milliseconds (ms) (normal <480 ms in females). Albuterol was administered and induced agitation, tremulousness, and tachycardia. Follow-up electrocardiograms demonstrated extreme prolongation of the corrected QT interval to 633 ms and morphology change of the T wave. Lab values were later notable for hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia, attributable to a recently started thiazide diuretic. The patient was ultimately diagnosed with congenital LQTS after initial unmasking by albuterol in the emergency department. CONCLUSION: LQTS can be unmasked or exacerbated by electrolyte abnormalities and QT prolonging medications.
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Leslie et al. (2021) conducted a case report in Long QT Syndrome (n=1). Albuterol vs. Baseline was evaluated on QTc interval (ms). Administration of nebulized albuterol in a patient with thiazide-induced electrolyte abnormalities unmasked underlying Type 1 Long QT Syndrome, prolonging the QTc interval to 633 ms.
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