A Case of Significant Arrhythmia Caused by Thioridazine Poisoning

ABSTRACT

A 51-year-old woman with schizophrenia and depression brought to our emergency room after thioridazine overdose. Her mental state was semicomatous. The initial electrocardiogram showed bradycardia, atrial premature contractions, prolonged PR interval, wide QRS complexes and U waves. She was admitted to the intensive care unit. Continuous electrocardiographic monitoring and artificial ventilation was performed. The treatment included fluids hydration, administration of inotropic agents, alkalization and replacement of electrolytes. On day 2, torsades de pointes on the electrocardiogram was occurred. The rhythms were resolved with isoproterenol infusion. Her hemodynamic state became stable. On day 6, electrocardiographic finding was normalized. She was recovered without any neurologic or cardiac complications. Herein, a rare case is reported, with the review of the literature.