Summary
Clinical characteristics.
Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is a cardiac electrophysiologic disorder, characterized by QT prolongation and T-wave abnormalities on the EKG that are associated with tachyarrhythmias, typically the ventricular tachycardia torsade de pointes (TdP). TdP is usually self-terminating, thus causing a syncopal event, the most common symptom in individuals with LQTS. Such cardiac events typically occur during exercise and emotional stress, less frequently during sleep, and usually without warning. In some instances, TdP degenerates to ventricular fibrillation and causes aborted cardiac arrest (if the individual is defibrillated) or sudden death. Approximately 50% of untreated individuals with a pathogenic variant in one of the genes associated with LQTS have symptoms, usually one to a few syncopal events. While cardiac events may occur from infancy through middle age, they are most common from the preteen years through the 20s. Some types of LQTS are associated with a phenotype extending beyond cardiac arrhythmia. In addition to the prolonged QT interval, associations include muscle weakness and facial dysmorphism in Andersen-Tawil syndrome (LQTS type 7); hand/foot, facial, and neurodevelopmental features in Timothy syndrome (LQTS type 8); and profound sensorineural hearing loss in Jervell and Lange-Nielson syndrome.
Diagnosis/testing.
Diagnosis of LQTS is established by prolongation of the QTc interval in the absence of specific conditions known to lengthen it (for example, QT-prolonging drugs) and/or by molecular genetic testing that identifies a diagnostic change (or changes) in one or more of the 15 genes known to be associated with LQTS – of which KCNH2 (LQT2), KCNQ1 (locus name LQT1), and SCN5A (LQT3) are the most common. Approximately 20% of families meeting clinical diagnostic criteria for LQTS do not have detectable pathogenic variants in a known gene. LQTS associated with biallelic pathogenic variants or heterozygosity for pathogenic variants in two different genes (i.e., digenic pathogenic variants) is generally associated with a more severe phenotype with longer QTc interval.
Management.
Treatment of manifestations: Beta blocker medication is the primary treatment for LQTS; possible implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICD) and/or left cardiac sympathetic denervation (LCSD) for those with beta-blocker-resistant symptoms, inability to take beta blockers, and/or history of cardiac arrest. Sodium channel blockers can be useful as additional pharmacologic therapy for patients with a QTc interval >500 ms.
Prevention of primary manifestations: Beta blockers are clinically indicated in all asymptomatic individuals meeting diagnostic criteria, including those who have a pathogenic variant on molecular testing and a normal QTc interval. In general, ICD implantation is not indicated for individuals with LQTS who are asymptomatic and who have not been tried on beta blocker therapy. Prophylactic ICD therapy can be considered for individuals with LQTS who are asymptomatic but suspected to be at very high risk (e.g., those with ≥2 pathogenic variants on molecular testing).
Surveillance: Regular assessment of beta blocker dose for efficacy and adverse effects in all individuals with LQTS, especially children during rapid growth; regular periodic evaluations of ICDs for inappropriate shocks and pocket or lead complications.
Agents/circumstances to avoid: Drugs that cause further prolongation of the QT interval or provoke torsade de pointes; competitive sports / activities associated with intense physical activity and/or emotional stress for most individuals.
Evaluation of relatives at risk: Presymptomatic diagnosis and treatment is warranted in relatives at risk to prevent syncope and sudden death.
Other: For some individuals, availability of automatic external defibrillators at home, at school, and in play areas.
Genetic counseling.
LQTS is typically inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. An exception is LQTS associated with sensorineural deafness (known as Jervell and Lange-Nielsen syndrome), which is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. Most individuals diagnosed with LQTS have an affected parent. The proportion of LQTS caused by a de novo pathogenic variant is small. Each child of an individual with autosomal dominant LQTS has a 50% risk of inheriting the pathogenic variant. Penetrance of the disorder may vary. Prenatal testing for a pregnancy at increased risk and preimplantation genetic testing are possible once the pathogenic variant(s) have been identified in the family.
Diagnosis
Suggestive Findings
Long QT syndrome (LQTS) should be suspected in individuals on the basis of EKG characteristics, clinical presentation, and family history.
EKG Evaluation
Corrected QT (QTc) values on resting EKG. The QTc on resting EKG is neither completely sensitive nor specific for the diagnosis of LQTS. Approximately 25% of individuals with LQTS confirmed by the identification of a pathogenic variant in a LQTS-associated gene may have a normal range QTc (concealed LQTS) [Goldenberg et al 2011]. Also, several other factors can lengthen the QTc interval:
The following tests are helpful for further evaluation of individuals with "uncertain" QTc values on resting EKG:
QTc interval measurement during change from supine to standing position [
Viskin et al 2010]
Intravenous pharmacologic provocation
testing (e.g., with epinephrine), which may be helpful by demonstrating inappropriate prolongation of the QTc interval [
Ackerman et al 2002]. With the small risk of induction of arrhythmia, such provocative testing is best performed in laboratories experienced in arrhythmia induction and control [
Shimizu et al 2004,
Vyas et al 2006].
Clinical History
A personal history of syncope, aborted cardiac arrest, or sudden death in a child or young adult may lead to suspicion of LQTS. The syncope is typically precipitous and without warning, thus differing from the common vasovagal and orthostatic forms of syncope in which presyncope and other warning symptoms occur. Absence of aura, incontinence, and postictal findings help differentiate LQTS-associated syncope from seizures.
Family History
A family history of syncope, aborted cardiac arrest, or sudden death in a child or young adult and consistent with autosomal dominant inheritance or autosomal recessive inheritance supports the diagnosis of LQTS.
Establishing the Diagnosis
Schwartz et al [1993] proposed a scoring system to diagnose LQTS on a clinical basis; it was updated by Schwartz & Crotti [2011]. Points are assigned to various criteria (see Table 1).
Table 1.
Scoring System for Clinical Diagnosis of Long QT Syndrome
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Findings | Points |
---|
EKG 1
| QTc 2 | ≥480 ms | 3 |
=460-479 ms | 2 |
=450-459 ms (in males) | 1 |
≥480 ms during 4th minute of recovery from exercise stress test | 1 |
Torsade de pointes 3 | 2 |
T wave alternans | 1 |
Notched T wave in 3 leads | 1 |
Low heart rate for age 4 | 0.5 |
Clinical history
| Syncope 3 | W/stress | 2 |
W/o stress | 1 |
Family history
| Family member(s) w/definite LQTS 5 | 1 |
Unexplained sudden cardiac death at age <30 yrs in immediate family 5 | 0.5 |
Total score
| |
Scoring: ≤1.0 point = low probability of LQTS; 1.5-3.0 points = intermediate probability of LQTS; ≥3.5 points = high probability of LQTS
- 1.
In the absence of medications or disorders known to affect these electrocardiographic features
- 2.
QTc (corrected QT) calculated by Bazett's formula where QTc = QT/√RR
- 3.
- 4.
Resting heart rate <2nd %ile for age
- 5.
The same family member cannot be counted for both criteria.
The diagnosis of LQTS is established in a proband with one or more of the following [Priori et al 2013]:
Molecular genetic testing approaches can include use of a multigene panel, single-gene testing, and more comprehensive genomic testing:
A multigene panel that includes the genes listed in
Tables 2a and
2b and other genes of interest (see
Differential Diagnosis) is recommended for molecular diagnosis. Note: (1) The genes included in the panel and the diagnostic
sensitivity of the testing used for each
gene vary by laboratory and are likely to change over time. (2) Some multigene panels may include genes not associated with the condition discussed in this
GeneReview; thus, clinicians need to determine which multigene panel is most likely to identify the genetic cause of the condition while limiting identification of variants of
uncertain significance and pathogenic variants in genes that do not explain the underlying
phenotype. (3) In some laboratories, panel options may include a custom laboratory-designed panel and/or custom phenotype-focused
exome analysis that includes genes specified by the clinician. (4) Methods used in a panel may include
sequence analysis,
deletion/duplication analysis, and/or other non-sequencing-based tests.
For an introduction to multigene panels click
here. More detailed information for clinicians ordering genetic tests can be found
here.
More comprehensive genomic testing (when available) including
exome sequencing and
genome sequencing may be considered. Such testing may provide or suggest a diagnosis not previously considered (e.g., mutation of a different
gene or genes that results in a similar clinical presentation).
For an introduction to comprehensive
genomic testing click
here. More detailed information for clinicians ordering genomic testing can be found
here.
Table 2a.
Molecular Genetics of Long QT Syndrome (LQTS): Most Common Genetic Causes
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Gene 1,2 | LQTS Phenotype | % of LQTS Attributed to Pathogenic Variants in Gene | Proportion of Pathogenic Variants 3 Detectable by Method |
---|
Sequence analysis 4 | Gene-targeted deletion/duplication analysis 5 |
---|
KCNH2
| LQTS type 2 | 25%-30% | 97%-98% | 2%-3% 6 |
KCNQ1
| LQTS type 1 7 | 30%-35% | 97%-98% | 2%-3% 6 |
SCN5A
| LQTS type 3 | 5%-10% | All variants reported to date | None reported 8 |
Pathogenic variants of any one of the genes included in this table account for >1% of LQTS.
- 1.
Genes are listed in alphabetic order.
- 2.
- 3.
- 4.
- 5.
Gene-targeted deletion/duplication analysis detects intragenic deletions or duplications. Methods used may include a range of techniques such as quantitative PCR, long-range PCR, multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA), and a gene-targeted microarray designed to detect single-exon deletions or duplications.
- 6.
Deletions or duplications involving KCNH2 or KCNQ1 have been shown to be causal for LQTS in ~3% of cases [Barc et al 2011].
- 7.
- 8.
The pathogenic variants in SCN5A that cause LQTS are gain-of-function variants (loss-of-function variants of SCN5A cause Brugada syndrome). Therefore, it is highly unlikely that large deletions or duplications in SCN5A will be identified as a cause of LQTS.
Table 2b.
Molecular Genetics of LQTS: Less Common Genetic Causes
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Gene 1 ,2, 3 | LQTS Phenotype | Comments |
---|
AKAP9
| LQTS type 11 | Limited 4 |
ANK2
| LQTS type 4 | <1% 5 |
CACNA1C
| LQTS type 8 6 | <1% 5 |
CALM1
| LQTS type 14 | <1% 7 |
CALM2
| LQTS type 15 | <1% 7 |
CAV3
| LQTS type 9 | <1% 5 |
KCNE1
| LQTS type 5 8 | <1% 9 |
KCNE2
| LQTS type 6 | <1% 9 |
KCNJ2
| LQTS type 7 10 | <1% 5, 11 |
KCNJ5
| LQTS type 13 | <1% 12 |
SCN4B
| LQTS type 10 | Limited 5 |
SNTA1
| LQTS type 12 | <1% 13 |
Pathogenic variants of any one of the genes listed in this table are reported in only a few families (i.e., <1% of LQTS). See also ClinGen.
- 1.
Genes are listed in alphabetic order.
- 2.
- 3.
Genes are not described in detail in Molecular Genetics, but are included here (pdf).
- 4.
- 5.
- 6.
- 7.
- 8.
- 9.
- 10.
- 11.
- 12.
- 13.
Note: Approximately 20% of families with a clinically firm diagnosis of LQTS do not have a detectable pathogenic variant in one of the 15 genes (AKAP9, ANK2, CACNA1C, CALM1, CALM2, CAV3, KCNE1, KCNE2, KCNH2, KCNJ2, KCNJ5, KCNQ1, SCN4B, SCN5A, and SNTA1) known to be associated with LQTS, suggesting that pathogenic variants in other genes can also cause LQTS and/or that current test methods do not detect all pathogenic variants in the known genes [Schwartz et al 2012, Giudicessi & Ackerman 2013].
Clinical Characteristics
Clinical Description
Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is characterized by QT prolongation and T-wave abnormalities on EKG that are associated with tachyarrhythmias, typically the ventricular tachycardia torsade de pointes (TdP). TdP is usually self-terminating, thus causing syncope, the most common symptom in individuals with LQTS. Syncope is typically precipitous and without warning. In some instances, TdP degenerates to ventricular fibrillation and aborted cardiac arrest (if the individual is defibrillated) or sudden death.
Approximately 50% or fewer of untreated individuals with a pathogenic variant in one of the 15 genes (see Table 2a, Table 2b) associated with LQTS have symptoms [Vincent et al 1992, Zareba et al 1998]. The number of syncopal events in symptomatic individuals ranges from one to hundreds, averaging just a few.
Most Common Phenotypes
Pathogenic variants in KCNH2, KCNQ1, and SCN5A account for the vast majority of cases of LQTS and distinct genotype-phenotype correlations have been reported (see Table 3). Three clinical phenotypes (LQTS types 1, 2, and 3) are recognized in individuals with pathogenic variants in these genes.
QTc range is similar across phenotypes (~400-600+ msec). The average QTc values are similar for the LQTS type 1 and LQTS type 2 phenotypes and somewhat longer for the LQTS type 3
phenotype.
Cardiac events often have
genotype-specific triggers [
Schwartz et al 2001]. In the LQTS type 1
phenotype symptoms are mostly triggered by exercise while in the LQTS type 2 phenotype events are mostly triggered by auditory stimuli and emotional stress. In the LQTS type 3 phenotype symptoms mostly occur during sleep.
Table 3.
Phenotype Correlations by Gene
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Gene | Phenotype | Average QTc | ST-T-Wave Morphology | Incidence of Cardiac Events | Cardiac Event Trigger | Sudden Death Risk |
---|
KCNH2
| LQTS type 2 | 480 msec | Bifid T-waves | 46% | Auditory stimuli, emotion, exercise, sleep | 6%-8% |
KCNQ1
| LQTS type 1 | Broad-base T-wave | 63% | Exercise, emotion | 6%-8% |
SCN5A
| LQTS type 3 | ~490 msec | Long ST, small T | 18% | Sleep | 6%-8% |
Overall Risk for Cardiac Events
Of individuals who die of complications of LQTS, death is the first sign of the disorder in an estimated 10%-15%. It is difficult to establish numbers on the risk of cardiac events in LQTS since most individuals are treated.
Studies from the long QT syndrome registry including patients, individuals with a
pathogenic variant (mostly treated), and also relatives who died suddenly show a cumulative mortality before age 40 years of 6%-8% in the LQTS type 1, type 2, and type 3 phenotypes [
Zareba et al 1998,
Goldenberg et al 2008].
Although syncopal events are most common in the LQTS type 1
phenotype (63%), followed by the LQTS type 2 phenotype (46%) and LQTS type 3 phenotype (18%), the incidence of death is similar in all three.
A study using the family tree mortality rate method studied mortality in large families with LQTS, in times when disease was not known and individuals received no treatment, compared to the normal population.
For the LQTS type 1
phenotype (one specific
pathogenic variant), severely increased mortality was shown throughout childhood (ages 1-19 years), for the type 2 phenotype, increased mortality between ages 15 and 39 years was seen, and in the type 3 phenotype, increased mortality between ages 15 and 19 years was seen [
Nannenberg et al 2012].
Non-Cardiac Features
Some types of LQTS are associated with a phenotype extending beyond cardiac arrhythmia:
Andersen-Tawil syndrome (LQTS type 7) is associated with prolonged QT interval, muscle weakness, and facial dysmorphism.
Timothy syndrome (LQTS type 8) is characterized by prolonged QT interval and hand/foot, facial, and neurodevelopmental features.
Penetrance
LQTS exhibits reduced penetrance of the EKG changes and symptoms. Overall, approximately 25% of individuals with a pathogenic variant have a normal QTc (defined as <440 msec) on baseline EKG. The percentage of genetically affected individuals with a normal QTc was higher in the LQTS type 1 group (36%) than in the LQTS type 2 group (19%) or type 3 group (10%) [Priori et al 2003, Goldenberg et al 2011].
As noted in Table 3, penetrance for symptoms is also reduced. At least 37% of individuals with the LQTS type 1 phenotype, 54% with the type 2 phenotype, and 82% with the type 3 phenotype remain asymptomatic.
Nomenclature
The term "Romano-Ward syndrome" refers to forms of long QT syndrome with a purely cardiac phenotype, inherited in an autosomal dominant manner (LQTS types 1-3, type 5, type 6, and types 9-15).
Management
Evaluations Following Initial Diagnosis
To establish the extent of disease and needs in an individual diagnosed with LQTS, the main focus in the management of individuals with LQTS is to identify the subset of individuals at high risk for cardiac events. For this risk stratification the following evaluations are recommended if they have not already been completed:
Treatment of Manifestations
All symptomatic persons should be treated (see Priori et al [2013]). Complete cessation of symptoms is the goal. Management is focused on the prevention of syncope, cardiac arrest, and sudden death through use of the following:
Beta blockers are the mainstay of therapy for LQTS, including asymptomatic individuals with prolonged QT intervals and individuals who have a
pathogenic variant on molecular testing with a normal QTc interval [
Priori et al 2004,
Schwartz et al 2009]. Some individuals have symptoms despite the use of beta blockers [
Moss et al 2000]. However, a majority of cardiac events that occur in individuals with LQTS type 1
phenotype "on beta blockers" are not caused by failure of the medication, but in fact by failure to take the medication (non-compliance) and/or the administration of QT-prolonging drugs [
Vincent et al 2009]. It is suspected that the same holds true for individuals with LQTS type 2, but that has not been systematically studied. It is therefore important to:
Avoid inadequate beta blocker dosing by regular adjustments in growing children, with evaluation of the efficacy of dose by assessment of the exercise EKG or ambulatory EKG;
Administer beta blockers daily, and have strategies are in place in case of missed doses;
Use long-acting agents (e.g., nadolol) preferentially to increase compliance and avoid use of short-acting metoprolol [
Chockalingam et al 2012];
Administer QT-prolonging drugs (see
Agents/Circumstances to Avoid) to individuals with LQTS
ONLY after careful consideration of risk versus benefit by the individual(s) and physician(s).
Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) are recommended in individuals with LQTS resuscitated from a cardiac arrest, although children with a LQTS type 1
phenotype with an arrest while not receiving beta blockers can be treated with beta blockers or with left cardiac sympathetic denervation [
Alexander et al 2004,
Vincent et al 2009,
Jons et al 2010]. ICDs can be useful for those individuals with beta-blocker-resistant symptoms or a contraindication for beta blocker therapy (severe asthma) [
Zareba et al 2003,
Priori et al 2013].
Left cardiac sympathetic denervation (LCSD) is recommended for high-risk patients with LQTS in whom ICD therapy is refused or contraindicated and/or in whom beta blockers are either not effective, not tolerated, not accepted, or contraindicated [
Schwartz et al 2004,
Priori et al 2013]. LCSD can be useful in individuals who experience events while on therapy with beta blockers or ICD [
Priori et al 2013].
Sodium channel blockers can be useful as additional pharmacologic therapy for individuals with a LQTS type 3
phenotype with a QTc interval >500 ms in whom this additional compound is shown to shorten the QTc interval by >40 ms [
Priori et al 2013].
Note: Most affected individuals live normal lives. Education of adult individuals and the parents of affected children, especially about beta blocker compliance, is an important aspect of management.
Prevention of Primary Manifestations
Beta blockers. Beta blockers are clinically indicated in all asymptomatic individuals, including those who have a pathogenic variant on molecular testing with a normal QTc interval [Priori et al 2004, Schwartz et al 2009]. Males who have a pathogenic variant and who have been asymptomatic before age 40 years are at low risk for cardiac events. In these individuals the necessity of beta blockers can be discussed [Locati et al 1998].
ICD. In general, ICD implantation is not indicated for asymptomatic individuals with LQTS who have not been tried on beta blocker therapy. Prophylactic ICD therapy can be considered for asymptomatic individuals suspected to be at very high risk, such as asymptomatic individuals with two or more pathogenic variants on molecular testing [Priori et al 2013]. LQTS-related sudden death in a close relative is not an indication for an ICD in surviving relatives [Kaufman et al 2008].
Prevention of Secondary Complications
Examine the past medical history for asthma, orthostatic hypotension, depression, and diabetes mellitus because these disorders may be exacerbated by treatment with beta blockers.
Although the incidence of arrhythmias during elective interventions such as surgery, endoscopies, childbirth, or dental work is low, it is prudent to monitor the EKG during such interventions and to alert the appropriate medical personnel in case intervention is needed.
Surveillance
Beta blocker dose should be regularly assessed for efficacy and adverse effects; doses should be altered as needed. Dose adjustment including efficacy testing is especially important in growing children.
Individuals with an ICD implanted should have regular, periodic evaluations of ICDs for inappropriate shocks and pocket or lead complications.
Agents/Circumstances to Avoid
Drugs that cause further prolongation of the QT interval or provoke torsade de pointes should be avoided for all individuals with LQTS. See CredibleMeds® (free registration required) for a complete and updated list. Epinephrine given as part of local anesthetics can trigger arrhythmias and is best avoided.
Since electrolyte imbalances may also lengthen the QTc interval, identification and correction of electrolyte abnormalities is important. These imbalances can occur as a result of diarrhea, vomiting, metabolic conditions, and unbalanced diets for weight loss.
Lifestyle modifications are advised based on genotype. For individuals with LQTS type 1 phenotype, avoidance of strenuous exercise – especially swimming without supervision – is advised. In individuals with LQTS type 2 phenotype, reduction in exposure to loud noises such as alarm clocks and phone ringing is advised. Individuals at high risk for cardiac events or with exercise-induced symptoms should avoid competitive sports [Priori et al 2013]. For some individuals participation in competitive sports may be safe. It is therefore recommended that all individuals with LQTS who wish to engage in competitive sports have their risk evaluated by a clinical expert [Johnson & Ackerman 2012, Priori et al 2013].
Evaluation of Relatives at Risk
Presymptomatic diagnosis of at-risk relatives followed by treatment is necessary to prevent syncope and sudden death in those individuals who have inherited the pathogenic variant and/or have EKG findings consistent with LQTS. At-risk family members should be alerted to their risk and the need to be evaluated.
Relatives at high potential risk for LQTS who require further testing include members of a family:
Presymptomatic diagnosis for at-risk asymptomatic family members can be performed by one
or both of the following:
If the
pathogenic variant is not known or if genetic testing is not possible, QTc analysis on resting and in case of normal QTc also QTc analysis on exercise EKGs
Note: The diagnostic accuracy by QTc analysis is considerably improved by evaluation of the exercise EKG QTc intervals, in addition to the resting EKG, using the QTc values listed in
Table 1.
Relatives at low potential risk who do not require further testing include members of a family sharing a common relative with the proband where the common relative:
Has a low probability of LQTS based on QTc interval (see
Table 1) and has not experienced LQTS-type events; or
Has a normal QTc interval and no evidence of a
pathogenic variant in one of the genes known to cause LQTS; or
See Genetic Counseling for issues related to testing of at-risk relatives for genetic counseling purposes.
Pregnancy Management
The postpartum period is associated with increased risk for a cardiac event, especially in individuals with the LQTS type 2 phenotype. Beta blocker treatment was associated with a reduction of events in this nine-month time period after delivery [Seth et al 2007].
See MotherToBaby for further information on medication use during pregnancy.
Genetic Counseling
Genetic counseling is the process of providing individuals and families with
information on the nature, mode(s) of inheritance, and implications of genetic disorders to help them
make informed medical and personal decisions. The following section deals with genetic
risk assessment and the use of family history and genetic testing to clarify genetic
status for family members; it is not meant to address all personal, cultural, or
ethical issues that may arise or to substitute for consultation with a genetics
professional. —ED.
Risk to Family Members (Autosomal Dominant Inheritance)
Parents of a proband
The majority of individuals diagnosed with LQTS have inherited a
pathogenic variant from a parent.
A
proband with LQTS may have the disorder as the result of a
de novo pathogenic variant. The proportion of cases caused by
de novo pathogenic variants is small.
The family history of some individuals diagnosed with LQTS may appear to be negative because of failure to recognize the disorder in family members, early death of the parent before the onset of symptoms, or reduced
penetrance. Therefore, an apparently negative family history cannot be confirmed unless appropriate clinical evaluation and/or
molecular genetic testing has been performed on the parents of the
proband (see Management,
Evaluation of Relatives at Risk).
Note: Biallelic and digenic pathogenic variants have been described (see Genotype-Phenotype Correlations). If an individual with LQTS has biallelic or digenic pathogenic variants, the possibility that both parents have pathogenic variants should be considered.
Sibs of a proband. The risk to the sibs of the proband depends on the genetic status of the proband's parents:
If a parent of the
proband is
heterozygous for the
pathogenic variant identified in the proband, the risk to the sibs of inheriting the pathogenic variant is 50%. Because LQTS exhibits reduced
penetrance, sibs who inherit a pathogenic variant may or may not have symptomatic LQTS. Considerable phenotypic variability within families has also been reported [
Giudicessi & Ackerman 2013].
Offspring of a proband. Each child of an individual with LQTS has a 50% chance of inheriting the pathogenic variant.
Other family members. The risk to other family members depends on the genetic status of the proband's parents: if a parent is clinically affected or has a pathogenic variant, his or her family members are at risk.
Specific risk issues. With the reduced penetrance of symptoms in individuals with LQTS, careful EKG evaluation including exercise EKG is often necessary to identify affected family members accurately. The absence of a family history of sudden death is common and does not negate the diagnosis or preclude the possibility of sudden death in relatives.
Prenatal Testing and Preimplantation Genetic Testing
Once the pathogenic variant has been identified in an affected family member, prenatal testing for a pregnancy at increased risk and preimplantation genetic testing are possible.
Differences in perspective may exist among medical professionals and within families regarding the use of prenatal testing. While most centers would consider use of prenatal testing to be a personal decision, discussion of these issues may be helpful.
Molecular Genetics
Information in the Molecular Genetics and OMIM tables may differ from that elsewhere in the GeneReview: tables may contain more recent information. —ED.
Table A.
Long QT Syndrome: Genes and Databases
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Data are compiled from the following standard references: gene from
HGNC;
chromosome locus from
OMIM;
protein from UniProt.
For a description of databases (Locus Specific, HGMD, ClinVar) to which links are provided, click
here.
Table B.
View in own window
106410 | ANKYRIN 2; ANK2 |
114180 | CALMODULIN 1; CALM1 |
114182 | CALMODULIN 2; CALM2 |
114205 | CALCIUM CHANNEL, VOLTAGE-DEPENDENT, L TYPE, ALPHA-1C SUBUNIT; CACNA1C |
152427 | POTASSIUM CHANNEL, VOLTAGE-GATED, SUBFAMILY H, MEMBER 2; KCNH2 |
170390 | ANDERSEN CARDIODYSRHYTHMIC PERIODIC PARALYSIS |
176261 | POTASSIUM CHANNEL, VOLTAGE-GATED, ISK-RELATED SUBFAMILY, MEMBER 1; KCNE1 |
192500 | LONG QT SYNDROME 1; LQT1 |
600163 | SODIUM VOLTAGE-GATED CHANNEL, ALPHA SUBUNIT 5; SCN5A |
600681 | POTASSIUM CHANNEL, INWARDLY RECTIFYING, SUBFAMILY J, MEMBER 2; KCNJ2 |
600734 | POTASSIUM CHANNEL, INWARDLY RECTIFYING, SUBFAMILY J, MEMBER 5; KCNJ5 |
600919 | CARDIAC ARRHYTHMIA, ANKYRIN-B-RELATED |
601005 | TIMOTHY SYNDROME; TS |
601017 | SYNTROPHIN, ALPHA-1; SNTA1 |
601253 | CAVEOLIN 3; CAV3 |
603796 | POTASSIUM CHANNEL, VOLTAGE-GATED, ISK-RELATED SUBFAMILY, MEMBER 2; KCNE2 |
603830 | LONG QT SYNDROME 3; LQT3 |
604001 | A-KINASE ANCHOR PROTEIN 9; AKAP9 |
607542 | POTASSIUM CHANNEL, VOLTAGE-GATED, KQT-LIKE SUBFAMILY, MEMBER 1; KCNQ1 |
608256 | SODIUM VOLTAGE-GATED CHANNEL, BETA SUBUNIT 4; SCN4B |
611818 | LONG QT SYNDROME 9; LQT9 |
611819 | LONG QT SYNDROME 10; LQT10 |
611820 | LONG QT SYNDROME 11; LQT11 |
612955 | LONG QT SYNDROME 12; LQT12 |
613485 | LONG QT SYNDROME 13; LQT13 |
613688 | LONG QT SYNDROME 2; LQT2 |
613693 | LONG QT SYNDROME 6; LQT6 |
613695 | LONG QT SYNDROME 5; LQT5 |
616247 | LONG QT SYNDROME 14; LQT14 |
616249 | LONG QT SYNDROME 15; LQT15 |
Molecular Pathogenesis
The genes associated with LQTS encode for potassium or sodium cardiac ion channels or interacting proteins. Pathogenic variants in these genes cause abnormal ion channel function: a loss of function in the potassium channels and a gain of function in the sodium channel. This abnormal ion function results in prolongation of the cardiac action potential and susceptibility of the cardiac myocytes to early after depolarizations (EADs), which initiate the ventricular arrhythmia, torsade de pointes (TdP).
More than 1,400 pathogenic variants in the 15 LQTS-related genes have been reported and are listed in the various databases found in Table A. In general, approximately 70% of pathogenic variants reported are missense, 15% are frameshift, and in-frame deletions and nonsense and splice site variants make up 3%-6% each. However, this distribution varies by gene. Radical pathogenic variants such as frameshift, nonsense, and splice site types are relatively more frequent in KCNQ1 and KCNH2 and are not present in SCN5A in individuals with LQTS (such pathogenic variants in SCN5A cause Brugada syndrome rather than LQTS).
For a detailed summary of gene and protein information for the genes listed below, see Table A, Gene.
KCNQ1
Gene structure.
KCNQ1 spans approximately 400 kb. The predominant isoform (isoform 1, refseq NM_000218.2) consists of 16 exons and produces a protein of 676 amino acids. Other isoforms encode a protein with an alternative N terminal domain (isoform 2) or non-coding transcripts.
Pathogenic variants. More than 500 pathogenic variants of KCNQ1 have been reported, including pathogenic missense, nonsense, splice site, and frameshift variants as well as large multiexon deletions.
Normal gene product. The potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily KQT member 1 is the alpha subunit forming the slowly activating potassium delayed rectifier IKs [Keating & Sanguinetti 2001].
Abnormal gene product. IKs channel with reduced function
KCNH2
Gene structure.
KCNH2 spans approximately 19 kb. The longest isoform consists of 16 exons and produces a protein of 1,159 amino acids (NM_000238.3). Two shorter isoforms of KCNH2 exist.
Pathogenic variants. More than 700 pathogenic variants have been reported, including pathogenic missense, nonsense, splice site, and frameshift variants as well as large multiexon deletions.
Normal gene product. The potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily H member 2 is the alpha subunit forming the rapidly activating potassium delayed rectifier IKr.
Abnormal gene product. IKr channel with reduced function
SCN5A
Gene structure.
SCN5A consists of 28 exons, spans approximately 80 kb; it encodes a protein of 2,016 amino acids (NM_198056.2). An isoform lacking amino acid Gln1077 exists.
Pathogenic variants. More than 200 pathogenic variants are known; they include pathogenic missense variants and in-frame deletions or insertions.
Normal gene product. The sodium channel protein type V alpha subunit is the alpha subunit forming the cardiac sodium channel.
Abnormal gene product. Gain-of-function variant resulting in a cardiac sodium channel with increased persistent inward current
For information on the genes listed in Table 2b, click here (pdf).