Drug-induced torsades de pointes in one patient with congenital long QT syndrome

Although uncommon, torsades de pointes (TdP) associated with astemizole and/or erythromycin use have been reported previously. We describe a 30-year-old woman who had congenital prolongation of QT interval and TdP occurred after taking astemizole and erythromycin. Temporary cardiac pacing was successful in suppressing TdP. Prolongation of QT interval had good response to oral propranolol.