Ciprofloxacin-induced torsade de pointes.

A 65-year-old man with recently diagnosed urinary tract infection treated with ciprofloxacin (Cipro) presented to our institution with recurrent seizure-like activity. His rhythm revealed torsade de pointes, which required defibrillation. Subsequent electrocardiogram revealed severely prolonged QT interval, which near-completely resolved 7 days later off Cipro. This case highlights a rare but potentially fatal side effect of quinolone antibiotics, especially in combination with other QT-prolonging medications. Review of the literature with regard to prevalence, mechanism, and assessment and treatment of this potentially fatal incidence is provided.