Reversible cardiomyopathy caused by administration of interferon alpha.
BACKGROUND
A 56-year-old man with normal cardiac function received treatment with interferon alpha-2b for malignant melanoma. Eight months after the initiation of therapy he developed fatigue and dyspnea on exertion. Two months later, he was admitted to hospital with ORTHOPNEA, worsening dyspnea and cough. Physical examination findings were consistent with congestive heart failure. Laboratory studies were notable for hypothyroidism. Echocardiography revealed severe, global left-ventricular dysfunction.


METHODS
Echocardiogram, electrocardiogram, serum chemistries, coronary angiography, right-heart and left-heart catheterization and endomyocardial biopsy.


METHODS
Interferon alpha-2b-induced cardiomyopathy.


RESULTS
Intravenous dobutamine and dopamine for cardiogenic shock and discontinuation of interferon alpha-2b.
Khakoo
Aarif Y
AY
Division of Cardiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
Halushka
Marc K
MK
Rame
J Eduardo
JE
Rodriguez
E Rene
ER
Kasper
Edward K
EK
Judge
Daniel P
DP
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D009202:Cardiomyopathies / Q000139:chemically induced*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000139:chemically induced; D006801:Humans; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D009205:Myocarditis / Q000139:chemically induced; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery; D018487:Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / Q000139:chemically induced
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D011994:Recombinant Proteins