# Prolonged corrected QT interval and Torsades de pointes following electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation in a young woman

## TL;DR

A young woman developed a dangerous heart rhythm after a routine procedure to treat atrial fibrillation, highlighting the need for close monitoring.

## Contribution

Reports a rare case of QT prolongation and torsades de pointes following cardioversion in a young patient with no prior repolarization issues.

## Key findings

- QT interval prolonged to over 600 ms immediately after cardioversion.
- Torsades de pointes occurred, requiring defibrillation and dopamine infusion for recovery.
- Full recovery was achieved without arrhythmia recurrence after treatment.

## Abstract

Electrical cardioversion is a widely used and generally safe procedure for restoring sinus rhythm in atrial fibrillation. However, it may rarely precipitate significant proarrhythmic complications. We report the case of a 35-year-old woman with a history of atrial septal defect closure who presented with persistent symptomatic atrial fibrillation. She underwent successful synchronized direct current cardioversion, but immediately developed marked prolongation of the corrected QT interval (>600 ms) followed by recurrent episodes of torsades de pointes, one requiring defibrillation. Intravenous magnesium was administered, but QT prolongation persisted in association with hypotension and bradycardia. Dopamine infusion was initiated to increase heart rate, which contributed to gradual QT normalization. The patient recovered fully without recurrence of arrhythmia. This case highlights a rare but potentially life-threatening complication of cardioversion and underscores the importance of vigilant post-procedural monitoring and timely intervention, even in patients without prior repolarization abnormalities.