title: Reversible cardiomyopathy caused by administration of interferon alpha.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
authors.forename: Aarif Y
authors.initials: AY
authors.lastname: Khakoo
authors.forename: Marc K
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Halushka
authors.forename: J Eduardo
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Rame
authors.forename: E Rene
authors.initials: ER
authors.lastname: Rodriguez
authors.forename: Edward K
authors.initials: EK
authors.lastname: Kasper
authors.forename: Daniel P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Judge
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D011994:Recombinant Proteins