Genetic testing for the long QT syndrome: who and why? Insights for clinical management

  • Peter J. Schwartz Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy Department of Cardiology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico S. Matteo, Pavia, Italy Cardiovascular Genetics Laboratory, Hatter Institute for Cardiovascular Research in Africa, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa Department of Medicine, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa Chair of Sudden Death, Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24170/9-2-1852

Abstract

This article deals with a specifi c issue of growing importance for cardiologists or internists who happen to have to take care of a patient affected by the congenital long QT syndrome (LQTS), namely when to consider to request a genetic test. The focus is on who are the patients for whom genetic screening should be requested and why. One often ignored issue is also discussed, the potentially very serious consequences – for the patient and also for the doctor – of omitting genetic screening. The bottom line is that genetic screening for LQTS can no longer be regarded as a research tool but is an integral part of current medical management of this life-threatening but highly treatable disorder.

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Published
2017-04-03
Issue
Vol. 9 No. 2 (2012): Autumn
Section
Commentary

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