title: Recurrent ventricular tachycardia due to pentamidine-induced cardiotoxicity.
abstract: Although pentamidine isethionate is effective in the treatment of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, it frequently causes serious adverse reactions. We report a case of reversible pentamidine-induced cardiotoxicity, characterized electrocardiographically by prolongation of the QT interval, T-wave inversion, and electrical alternans of the U-wave. In addition, the patient had repeated episodes of ventricular tachycardia that culminated in torsades de pointes. Our case re-emphasizes the need for close patient monitoring during pentamidine therapy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine 45267-0535.
authors.forename: M R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Bibler
authors.forename: T C
authors.initials: TC
authors.lastname: Chou
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Toltzis
authors.forename: P A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Wade
mesh_terms: D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000150:complications; D000328:Adult; D000578:Amidines / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004562:Electrocardiography; D006321:Heart / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010419:Pentamidine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011020:Pneumonia, Pneumocystis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012008:Recurrence; D013610:Tachycardia / Q000139:chemically induced*
chemical_list: D000578:Amidines; D010419:Pentamidine