Possible female preponderance in prenylamine-induced 'torsade de pointes' tachycardia. Short communication.

Episodes of ventricular tachycardia of the 'torsade de pointes' (VTTP) types provoked by prenylamine were observed in 7 patients: 5 females and 2 males. They all received prenylamine in a dose of 120-180 mg daily for anginal pains. Syncope or syncopal equivalents occurred in all 7 patients. Q-T intervals ranged from 0.52 to 0.64 s. Review of the literature revealed 11 patients with prenylamine-induced VTTP, of whom 8 were females. The female preponderance (72.2%), hitherto not commented upon in the literature, is highlighted. Prenylamine-indiced VTTP may appear late after initiation of therapy, consequently clinical and ECG long-term follow-up is mandatory. The drug should promptly be discontinued in symptomatic patients, and particularly in females showing prolonged Q-T.