Article date: July 2004
By: Matthias Goernig, Thomas Kirmeier, Andreas Krack, Christiane S. Hartog, Hans R. Figulla, Uwe Leder, in Volume 58, Issue 1, pages 96-98
Aims
Amiodarone is widely used in ventricular tachyarrhythmias and atrial fibrillation, known to prolong QT‐intervals. Concurrent administration of drugs prolonging QT‐ time can induce life‐threatening ventricular tachyarrhythmia.
Methods
QT‐interval changes following use of Iohexol contrast‐medium for coronarangiography were observed comparing 21 patients taking long‐term amiodarone therapy with 21 controls not taking amiodarone or QT‐prolonging drugs retrospectively.
Results
Concurrent use of Iohexol and amiodarone was associated with significant prolongation of QTc‐interval (433, 95%CI: 419–448 ms vs. 480, 95%CI: 422–483 ms, P < 0.001) the day after coronarangiograpgy. 6/21 patients showed severe prolonged QTc‐interval of >500 ms.
Conclusion
Caution is advised until more is known about pro‐arrhythmic effects of Iohexol.
DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2125.2004.02119.x
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