Head-up tilt test induced shortened QT interval:a case report and literature review / 临床儿科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To explore the cause of secondary QT interval shortening. Method The data of a child with vasovagal syncope and cardiac depression in whom shortened QT interval was induced in head-up tilt test (HUTT) was analyzed retrospectively, and the related literatures were reviewed. Result A 12-year-old boy visited for fainting when brushing his teeth in the morning. ECG showed sinus bradycardia, heart rate at 55 times /min and normal QT and QTc interval. Dynamic electrocardiogram showed sinus rhythm, mean heart rate at 70 times/min, atrial anterior contraction 3 times, normal mean QT and mean QTc. UCG showed approximately normal heart structure and the left ventricular systolic function. There was no abnormality in EEG and cranial CT. His fasting blood glucose was 5.2 mmol/L. The basal tilt test was positive with vasovagal syncope and cardiac depression. During the tilt table test, Holter monitoring showed that sinus arrest occurred in the child when upright tilt for16 min, and then fainted. Time of sinus arrest was 2.9 s and 11.4 s, respectively, and artificial chest compressions were performed. The QT interval was shortened (QT=330 ms), and so was QTc interval (QTc=320 ms). The ratio of QT/QTp was 78% (the lower limit of normal QT interval was 88% of QTp) before sinus arrest occurred. Conclusion Increased vagal tone may induce QT interval shortening.