Torsade Artefact

Report:

Sinus rhythm 82 – 88/min

VEBs, one couplet

Movement artefact lower panel

Comment:

For some reason, the (signed) report included “1 episode of torsades” (Fig 90a). This is a gross error, given that normal QRS complexes can be mapped out through the noise. Another error is calling the episode a torsade rather than multiform VT, given the absence of bradycardia and QT prolongation. The third error is not questioning the existence of a lone brief episode of putative torsades in the 24 hour recording: something I have never seen or even heard of!

90a.

91. 75 year old man in ICU following coronary bypass surgery

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