title: Simultaneous interstitial pneumonitis and cardiomyopathy induced by venlafaxine.
abstract: Venlafaxine is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor used as an antidepressant. Interindividual variability and herb-drug interactions can lead to drug-induced toxicity. We report the case of a 35-year-old female patient diagnosed with synchronous pneumonitis and acute cardiomyopathy attributed to venlafaxine. The patient sought medical attention due to dyspnea and dry cough that started three months after initiating treatment with venlafaxine for depression. The patient was concomitantly taking Centella asiatica and Fucus vesiculosus as phytotherapeutic agents. Chest CT angiography and chest X-ray revealed parenchymal lung disease (diffuse micronodules and focal ground-glass opacities) and simultaneous dilated cardiomyopathy. Ecocardiography revealed a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 21%. A thorough investigation was carried out, including BAL, imaging studies, autoimmune testing, right heart catheterization, and myocardial biopsy. After excluding other etiologies and applying the Naranjo Adverse Drug Reaction Probability Scale, a diagnosis of synchronous pneumonitis/cardiomyopathy associated with venlafaxine was assumed. The herbal supplements taken by the patient have a known potential to inhibit cytochrome P450 enzyme complex, which is responsible for the metabolization of venlafaxine. After venlafaxine discontinuation, there was rapid improvement, with regression of the radiological abnormalities and normalization of the LVEF. This was an important case of drug-induced cardiopulmonary toxicity. The circumstantial intake of inhibitors of the CYP2D6 isoenzyme and the presence of a CYP2D6 slow metabolism phenotype might have resulted in the toxic accumulation of venlafaxine and the subsequent clinical manifestations. Here, we also discuss why macrophage-dominant phospholipidosis was the most likely mechanism of toxicity in this case.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pulmonology, Coimbra Hospital, University Center, Coimbra, Portugal.
authors.forename: Pedro Gonçalo
authors.initials: PG
authors.lastname: Ferreira
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, Coimbra Hospital, University Center, Coimbra, Portugal.
authors.forename: Susana
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Costa
authors.affiliation: Department of Anatomopathology, Coimbra Hospital, University Center, Coimbra, Portugal.
authors.forename: Nuno
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Dias
authors.affiliation: Department of Pulmonology, Coimbra Hospital, University Center, Coimbra, Portugal.
authors.forename: António Jorge
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Ferreira
authors.affiliation: Department of Pulmonology, Coimbra Hospital, University Center, Coimbra, Portugal.
authors.forename: Fátima
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Franco
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D009202:Cardiomyopathies / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D003511:Cyclohexanols / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017563:Lung Diseases, Interstitial / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D000069470:Venlafaxine Hydrochloride
chemical_list: D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation; D003511:Cyclohexanols; D000069470:Venlafaxine Hydrochloride