Reactions 1236 - 24 Jan 2009

SCitalopram

Torsade de pointes and long QT syndrome in anelderly patient: case report

An 81-year-old man developed torsade de pointes andlong QT syndrome during treatment with citalopram.

The man, who had a history of hypertension, diabetesmellitus, end stage renal disease and depression, presentedto an emergency department with dizziness afterundergoing dialysis. Four months before presentation, hehad started receiving citalopram [dosage not stated;therapeutic indication not clearly stated]. In the emergencydepartment, he developed an episode of torsade depointes. An ECG showed prolonged QT interval of 572msand a QTc interval of 695ms; an ECG taken 5 monthsearlier revealed normal QT/QTc interval. He was admittedfor telemetry and experienced another episode oftorsade de pointes.

The man received magnesium sulfate and isoprenaline[isoproterenol]. Citalopram was discontinued and, within3 days, his QT interval normalised and he was discharged.

Author comment: "We hypothesized that in this case,citalopram caused the prolonged QT interval and [torsade depointes]".Kanjanauthai S, et al. Citalopram induced torsade de pointes, a rare life threateningside effect. International Journal of Cardiology 131: E33-E34, No. 1, 17 Dec 2008- USA 801135210

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Reactions 24 Jan 2009 No. 12360114-9954/10/1236-0001/$14.95 © 2010 Adis Data Information BV. All rights reserved