Carrillo-Esper R, Carrillo-Córdova LD, Carrillo-Córdova DM, Carrillo–Córdova CA, Villena-López EL

Language: English
References: 18
Page: 180-183
PDF size: 202.02 Kb.

ABSTRACT

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) overdose remain a common cause of fatal drug poisoning as a result of their cardiovascular toxicity manifested by electrocardiographic (ECG) abnormalities, arrhythmias and hypotension. Cardiac toxicity secondary to TCAs is due mainly to sodium-channel blockade and slowing of phase 0 depolarization of the action potential results in slowing of conduction through the His-Punkinje system and myocardium. ECG changes are a frequent manifestation of TCAs overdose and include sinus tachycardia, prolongation of the PR, QRS and QTc intervals, nonspecific ST and T wave changes, atrioventricular block, right axis deviation, Brugada pattern and R wave changes in aVR, R/S ratio in aVR > 0.7 and ventricular arrhythmias. The aim of this paper is to describe the ECG alterations in a patient intoxicated with TCAs.

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