Polypharmacy-Induced Long QT Syndrome in a Patient With Newly Diagnosed Acute Myeloid Leukaemia: A Case Report

Long QT syndrome is a type of disease caused by ion channels in the heart not working properly. It is a rare condition that can affect up to one in 2000 people. Many people with this condition do not develop any symptoms; however, this can lead to heart rhythm abnormality, known as torsades de pointes, and can sometimes be fatal. The cause of this condition is often inherited; however, it can also be triggered by certain medications. But the latter tends to affect those who already tend to develop this condition. The medications causing this condition include antiarrhythmics, antibiotics, antihistamines, antiemetics, antidepressants, antipsychotics, and many more. In this case report, we will be discussing a 63-year-old female who developed long QT syndrome as a result of the multiple drug therapy which is associated with long QT syndrome. Our patient was admitted to the hospital with dyspnoea, fatigue, and weight loss and was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia. The patient was commenced on several medications leading to a prolonged QTc interval which resolved after stopping the culprit medications.