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Clinical features

  • Individuals with short QT syndrome (SQTS) may present with palpitations, syncope or cardiac arrest. Syncope without warning is suspicious for underlying ventricular arrhythmia. Cardiac arrest is common, and SQTS appears to have high rates of lethality in all age groups.
  • The condition is associated with a short QT interval, premature atrial fibrillation and ventricular fibrillation in the absence of structural heart disease.

The ECG result of an adult patient with short QT syndrome.

Figure 1: The ECG result of an adult patient with short QT syndrome

Genetics

Type of SQT Gene Current Phenotype
SQT1 KCNH2 IKr An ECG result showing SQT caused by the KCNH2 gene.
SQT2 KCNQ1 IKs  An ECG result showing SQT caused by the KCNQ1 gene.
SQT3 KCNJ2 IK1  An ECG result showing SQT caused by the KCNJ2 gene.
SQT4 CACNA1C ICaL  An ECG result showing SQT caused by the CACNA1C gene.
SQT5 CACNB2B ICaL  An ECG result showing SQT caused by the CACNB2B gene.

Table 1: The genes associated with SQT

 

  • SQTS genotypes one to three are produced by gain-of-function pathogenic variants in myocardial potassium channels. Interestingly, loss-of-function pathogenic variants in the same genes are implicated in long QT syndrome.
  • SQTS genotype four is produced by loss-of-function pathogenic variants in the L-type cardiac channel.
  • About 15% of SQTS cases are associated with variants in KCNH2. Missense variants in KCNJ2, KCNQ1 and CACNA1C have been found in a handful of familial cases.

Inheritance and genomic counselling

  • Although de novo cases of SQTS have been reported, the condition usually has an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance, which means that there is a 50% chance of affected parents passing the condition on to each child. Taking a three-generation family history and identifying any previously known familial pathogenic variants is important to facilitate genomic counselling.
  • The testing criteria for SQTS can be found in the National Genomic Test Directory. For more information about testing, see Adult with short QT syndrome.
  • All first-degree family members of an affected individual should be offered clinical screening. Where the pathogenic genetic variant is known, other family members should be offered predictive testing (as part of cascade testing).

Management

  • Affected individuals should avoid medications that shorten the QT interval (such as nicorandil).
  • Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) implantation is recommended in SQTS patients who have survived cardiac arrest or have had documented episodes of spontaneous sustained ventricular arrhythmia.
  • ICD implantation should be considered in SQTS patients who have arrhythmic syncope.
  • Close monitoring with insertion of an implantable loop recorder should be considered in young children with SQTS.
  • Pharmacological therapy (such as quinidine) may be considered in the following situations:
    • in patients with contraindications to ICD implantation or who decline ICD implantation;
    • as an adjunct therapy to prevent appropriate ICD discharges for ventricular arrhythmias;
    • to treat episodes of atrial fibrillation;
    • as an alternative to ICD implantation in young children; and
    • in young patients who are asymptomatic but have a family history of sudden cardiac death.
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  • Last reviewed: 14/03/2024
  • Next review due: 14/03/2026
  • Authors: Dr Tobi Soge
  • Reviewers: Dr Rachel Bastiaenen, Dr Catherine Mercer