Drug-induced long QT syndrome: molecular mechanisms for congenital and acquired QT prolongation

Congenital and acquired long QT syndromes (LQTSs) are important causes of sudden cardiac death. Drug-induced LQTS, the most common cause, has particular importance to clinicians and pharmaceutical companies. In this review, we will discuss the molecular and genetic mechanisms of both congenital forms and acquired forms of LQTS. In particular, we will focus on the available in vitro techniques to test for QT prolongation and arrhythmogenesis.

Section editor:Joel Linden – Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA