Polymorphic, twisting QRS around the baseline with a prolonged QT interval is best described as which rhythm?

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Multiple Choice

Polymorphic, twisting QRS around the baseline with a prolonged QT interval is best described as which rhythm?

Torsades de pointes is a polymorphic ventricular tachycardia tied to QT interval prolongation, and its hallmark on ECG is QRS complexes that appear to twist or rotate around the baseline as the rhythm changes amplitude and direction. The prolonged QT indicates delayed repolarization, which allows early afterdepolarizations to trigger this shifting, twisting pattern. This rhythm can degenerate into ventricular fibrillation if not treated promptly. Ventricular fibrillation shows chaotic, irregular deflections with no organized QRS complexes, not the twisting pattern. Atrial flutter presents with a sawtooth atrial activity and a relatively regular ventricular rate, without twisting QRS. Sinus tachycardia is a fast but regular rhythm with normal QRS morphology, not the twisting, polymorphic pattern.

Torsades de pointes is a polymorphic ventricular tachycardia tied to QT interval prolongation, and its hallmark on ECG is QRS complexes that appear to twist or rotate around the baseline as the rhythm changes amplitude and direction. The prolonged QT indicates delayed repolarization, which allows early afterdepolarizations to trigger this shifting, twisting pattern. This rhythm can degenerate into ventricular fibrillation if not treated promptly.

Ventricular fibrillation shows chaotic, irregular deflections with no organized QRS complexes, not the twisting pattern. Atrial flutter presents with a sawtooth atrial activity and a relatively regular ventricular rate, without twisting QRS. Sinus tachycardia is a fast but regular rhythm with normal QRS morphology, not the twisting, polymorphic pattern.

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