Syncope in a new mother: a case of long-QT syndrome presenting after childbirth


Diagnosis of inherited arrhythmia syndromes, including long-QT syndrome (LQTS), is challenging; however, early detection and initiation of therapies can reduce otherwise high rates of mortality.

Two months following the birth of her first child a previously well 21-year-old female experienced four episodes of transient loss of consciousness (TLOC). 

The history was atypical for seizures but a video electroencephalogram (EEG) captured an episode with abnormal bifrontal epileptic discharge. She was commenced on levetiracetam.