Congenital Long QT Syndrome (LQTS) in Infancy: A Challenging Case

Cureus. 2024 Jan 7;16(1):e51810. doi: 10.7759/cureus.51810. eCollection 2024 Jan.

Abstract

Long QT syndrome (LQTS), is an arrhythmia disorder, related to ventricular myocardial repolarization characterized by a prolonged QT interval on the electrocardiogram that can lead to symptomatic ventricular arrhythmias and increase the mortality rate. The prevalence of congenital LQTS is about 1 in 2000 live births. Here, we report the case of a two-month-old female, with a significant family history of early death, who was brought to our emergency with an episode of blueish discoloration. The initial workup was positive for COVID-19 in the respiratory panel, so she was admitted as a case of bronchiolitis. It was a challenge because of the overlapping presentation between a serious condition and other common pediatric illnesses. Furthermore, the paper aims to increase awareness of this condition among physicians and emphasizes the importance of obtaining a complete medical history, physical examination, and family screening in selected cases to facilitate early diagnosis and timely management.

Keywords: brief resolved unexplained events; cardiac arrythmia; congenital long qt syndrome; sudden early death; unexplained syncope.

Publication types

  • Case Reports