Primidone in the Treatment of the Long QT Syndrome: QT Shortening and Ventricular Arrhythmia Suppression

  1. DENNIS L. DeSILVEY, M.D.; and
  2. ARTHUR J. MOSS, M.D.
  1. Rutland, Vermont; and Rochester, New York

    Abstract

    We studied a family with the long QT syndrome. The initial case was in a patient who presented with seizures, ventricular fibrillation, and syncope. After a trial of conventional modalities of treatment including left stellate ganglionectomy, primidone (Mysoline) therapy was initiated. This drug has been successful in suppressing ventricular arrhythmias and shortening the QT interval over a 2-year follow-up period. Two additional family members with QT prolongation have been treated with primidone. During an 8-month follow-up, electrocardiographic and Holter recordings showed shortening of the QT interval.

    Article and Author Information

    • ▸From the Medical Service, The Rutland Hospital, Rutland, Vermont; and the Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York.

    • ▸Requests for reprints should be addressed to Arthur J. Moss, M.D.; Box 653, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642.

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    1. Ann Intern Med July 1, 1980 vol. 93 no. 1 Part 1 53-54
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