Torsades de pointes
- Date
- 1966 · confidence high
- Place
- Paris, France
- Credited to
- François Dessertenne
- Field
- Life & health
What was discovered
A polymorphic ventricular arrhythmia with distinctive ECG features, described by French cardiologist Dessertenne. It can trigger sudden cardiac death and is associated with QT-interval prolongation, including drug-induced cases.
What it led to
- Systematic QT-interval monitoring in drug prescribing
- Specific resuscitation protocols using magnesium sulfate
Built on
- Electrocardiograph (ECG)1903
- Holter monitor1949-1962
- Electrocardiography