Ventricular tachycardia-based long QT without hypocalcaemia after use of ibandronic acid

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology and Cardiology
• Drug-induced cardiac arrhythmias
• Bone metabolism and osteoporosis treatment

Background:

• Drug-induced QT interval prolongation is a recognized clinical concern.
• Ibandronic acid, a bisphosphonate, is widely used for osteoporosis management.
• Previous reports link ibandronic acid to QT prolongation primarily via hypocalcemia.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a unique case of ventricular tachycardia-based long QT syndrome.
• To highlight a potential association between ibandronic acid and cardiac events.
• To describe an event occurring despite normal serum calcium levels.

Main Methods:

• Case report detailing clinical presentation and management.
• Review of patient's medication history, focusing on ibandronic acid use.
• Analysis of electrocardiographic findings and serum calcium levels.

Main Results:

• A patient developed ventricular tachycardia-induced long QT syndrome during ibandronic acid therapy.
• The patient's serum calcium levels remained within the normal physiological range.
• This presentation is distinct from previously reported cases linked to hypocalcemia.

Conclusions:

• Ibandronic acid may be associated with long QT syndrome and ventricular tachycardia independent of hypocalcemia.
• Clinicians should be vigilant for cardiac adverse events in patients treated with ibandronic acid.
• Further investigation into the mechanisms of ibandronic acid-induced cardiotoxicity is warranted.