Methadone-Induced QT Interval Prolongation and Torsades de Pointes

Abstract

The most common cause of acquired long QT syndrome in patients without physiological and structural cardiovascular disease is the use of medications. Chronic high-dose methadone usage can cause prolongation of QT interval that may provoke the life-threatening arrhythmia Torsades de Pointes. In this study, we present a 41-year-old man with chronic high-dose methadone usage who developed Torsades de Pointes triggered by short-coupled premature ventricular contraction.