title: Recurrent atrial fibrillation in a patient with ulcerative colitis treated with azathioprine: case report and review of the literature.
abstract: We present a clinical case report regarding recurrent atrial fibrillation in a patient with ulcerative colitis treated with azathioprine. Atrial fibrillation represents the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia, occurring in 1-2% of the general population and characterized by seemingly disorganized atrial depolarizations without effective atrial contraction. Several mechanisms determine this arrhythmia; in particular remodelling (structural, mechanical and electrical alteration related to atrial fibrillation). The pro-arrhythmic effect of azathioprine may be evaluated during immunosuppressive therapy to be aware of this serious but reversible adverse effect.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Riccioni
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Bucciarelli
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Di Ilio
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Scotti
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Aceto
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: D'Orazio
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Martini
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Bucciarelli
mesh_terms: D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000139:chemically induced*; D001379:Azathioprine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003093:Colitis, Ulcerative / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012008:Recurrence
chemical_list: D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D001379:Azathioprine