EMERGENCY CASEBOOK

Flecainide cardiotoxicity precipitated by electrolyte imbalance. Caution with thiazide diuretics

A Khavandi and P R Walker

Department of Cardiology, Southmead Hospital, North Bristol NHS Trust, Southmead Road, Bristol, UK

Correspondence to:
Correspondence to:
Dr A Khavandi
Department of Cardiology, Southmead Hospital, North Bristol NHS Trust, Southmead Road, Bristol BS10 5NB, UK; khavandi{at}hotmail.com

A man presented with recurrent syncope, weakness and fatigue. His ECG showed marked QRS widening and he had gross hyponatraemia and hypokalaemia. His medications included bendroflumethiazide (long term) and flecainide (started 2 months previously).

This presentation was consistent with flacainide cardiotoxicity exacerbated by electrolyte disturbance. The syncopal episodes probably represented life-threatening arrhythmias. The ECG and symptoms resolved completely once the electrolytes were corrected.

Increased cardiotoxicity with hypokalaemia is documented, but not widely recognised. Hyponatraemia-induced flecainide cardiotoxicity has not been documented. The clinical effects of flecainide are due to use-dependent block of sodium channels. There are reports that support the use of hypertonic sodium salts to reverse flecainide toxicity via antagonism at the receptor. By this rationale, hyponatraemia would lead to Flecainide toxicity.

Flecainide has been shown to reduce salt absorption in animal bowel. It is possible that in combination with bendroflumethiazide it acted synergistically to produce profound electrolyte disturbance.

Flecainide cardiotoxicity has a significant mortality and can present non-specifically. Thus, early recognition is essential. This case demonstrates the importance of strict electrolyte control in patients who are on flecainide. We would discourage concomitant use of flecainide and bendroflumethiazide.

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