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Published on: May 28, 2019
Acute fatal post-CABG low dose amiodarone lung toxicity
Mihalis Argyriou1, Panagiotis Hountis, Nicolaos Antonopoulos
1Cardiac Surgery Department, Evaggelismos General Hospital, Veikou 9-11, 11146 Athens, Greece.
Asian Cardiovascular & Thoracic Annals
|November 29, 2007
Summary
Amiodarone, an anti-arrhythmic drug, can cause fatal lung toxicity even with short-term use and low doses. This case highlights the risk of acute amiodarone lung injury following cardiac surgery.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pulmonology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Amiodarone is a widely prescribed anti-arrhythmic medication.
- Chronic pulmonary toxicity is a known side effect of amiodarone.
- Postoperative atrial fibrillation is common after cardiac surgery.
Observation:
- A patient developed fatal pulmonary complications after coronary artery bypass grafting.
- The patient received a short course of amiodarone for postoperative atrial fibrillation.
- The total cumulative dose of amiodarone was low.
Findings:
- Necropsy confirmed diffuse pulmonary damage.
- The lung damage was attributed to acute amiodarone lung toxicity.
- This occurred despite a low cumulative dose and short treatment duration.
Implications:
- This case underscores the potential for severe, acute lung toxicity from amiodarone, even at low doses.
- Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for amiodarone-induced lung injury in patients with relevant risk factors.
- Further research into risk stratification and early detection of amiodarone pulmonary toxicity is warranted.
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