Cardiac arrest after ibogaine intoxication

Introduction

Drug-induced prolongation of the QT interval on the electrocardiogram can precipitate life‑threatening ventricular arrhythmias and is an important consideration when evaluating unexplained torsades de pointes or ventricular fibrillation. The introduction frames ibogaine, a psychoactive plant alkaloid used informally for its alleged antiaddiction effects, as a potential cause of such cardiotoxicity. Steinberg and colleagues present a single case that illustrates severe QT prolongation after ibogaine ingestion leading to malignant ventricular arrhythmia and near cardiac arrest. The report aims to document the clinical course, emphasise the delayed recovery of QT interval related to the drug's pharmacology, and highlight safety concerns around unsupervised use.