Ketoconazole induced torsades de pointes without concomitant use of QT interval-prolonging drug

J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol. 2005 Dec;16(12):1375-7. doi: 10.1111/j.1540-8167.2005.00299.x.

Abstract

Ketoconazole is not known to be proarrhythmic without concomitant use of QT interval-prolonging drugs. We report a woman with coronary artery disease who developed a markedly prolonged QT interval and torsades de pointes (TdP) after taking ketoconazole for treatment of fungal infection. Her QT interval returned to normal upon withdrawal of ketoconazole. Genetic study did not find any mutation in her genes that encode cardiac IKr channel proteins. We postulate that by virtue of its direct blocking action on IKr, ketoconazole alone may prolong QT interval and induce TdP. This calls for attention when ketoconazole is administered to patients with risk factors for acquired long QT syndrome.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antifungal Agents / adverse effects*
  • Coronary Artery Disease / genetics
  • Coronary Artery Disease / physiopathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Ketoconazole / adverse effects*
  • Long QT Syndrome / chemically induced*
  • Middle Aged
  • Mutation
  • Risk Factors
  • Torsades de Pointes / chemically induced*
  • Torsades de Pointes / genetics

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents
  • Ketoconazole