Intrathecal baclofen withdrawal: A rare cause of reversible cardiomyopathy.
Baclofen is commonly used to treat spasticity of central etiology. Unfortunately, a potentially lethal withdrawal syndrome can complicate its use. This is especially true when the drug is administered intrathecally. There are very few cases of baclofen withdrawal leading to reversible cardiomyopathy described in the literature. The authors present a patient with a history of chronic intrathecal baclofen use who, in the setting of acute baclofen withdrawal, develops laboratory, electrocardiogram, and echocardiogram abnormalities consistent with cardiomyopathy. Upon reinstitution of intrathecal baclofen, the cardiomyopathy and associated abnormalities quickly resolve. Although rare, it is crucial to be aware of this reversible cardiomyopathy to ensure its prompt diagnosis and treatment.
a Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Heart and Vascular Center Institute , Hershey , PA , USA.
Stephen O
SO
Awuor
b Thomas Jefferson University Hospital , Department of Rehabilitation Medicine , Philadelphia , PA , USA.
Paul M
PM
Kitei
c Newark Beth Israel Medical Centre -Cardiology , Newark , NJ , USA.
Yassir
Y
Nawaz
d Lehigh Valley Physician Group - Cardiology , Allentown , PA , USA.
Amy M
AM
Ahnert
D000328:Adult; D001418:Baclofen / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D009202:Cardiomyopathies / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D002407:Catheterization, Swan-Ganz / Q000379:methods; D017023:Coronary Angiography / Q000379:methods; D004452:Echocardiography / Q000379:methods; D004868:Equipment Failure; D006801:Humans; D015918:Infusion Pumps, Implantable / Q000009:adverse effects*; D060186:Infusions, Spinal / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D007423:Intra-Aortic Balloon Pumping / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D009125:Muscle Relaxants, Central / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D011782:Quadriplegia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D009125:Muscle Relaxants, Central; D001418:Baclofen
Cardiomyopathy; baclofen withdrawal; echocardiography; reversible