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Hydroxychloroquine-induced cardiomyopathy: case report, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment
Haran Yogasundaram1, Brendan N Putko1, Julia Tien2
1Division of Cardiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Insights
Long-term hydroxychloroquine use can cause drug-induced cardiomyopathy, a lysosomal storage disorder. Early detection through regular cardiac screening is crucial for managing this serious adverse effect.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Rheumatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is widely used for autoimmune diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Long-term HCQ treatment poses risks, including cardiac toxicity.
- Understanding HCQ's mechanisms is key to managing its adverse effects.
Observation:
- HCQ can lead to acquired lysosomal storage disorders.
- Cardiac manifestations include concentric hypertrophy and conduction abnormalities.
- Early recognition and withdrawal of HCQ are vital for reversibility.
Findings:
- Chronic HCQ use is linked to drug-induced cardiomyopathy.
- Screening with ECG and echocardiography can detect cardiac changes.
- Cardiac MRI and biopsy aid in diagnosis and prognosis.
Implications:
- Regular cardiac monitoring is essential for patients on long-term HCQ.
- Prompt identification of HCQ-induced cardiomyopathy improves outcomes.
- Awareness of HCQ cardiotoxicity is critical for patient safety and management.
Abstract:
Drug-induced heart and vascular disease remains an important health burden. Hydroxychloroquine and its predecessor chloroquine are medications commonly used in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and other connective tissue disorders. Hydroxychloroquine interferes with malarial metabolites, confers immunomodulatory effects, and also affects lysosomal function. Clinical monitoring and early recognition of toxicity is an important management strategy in patients who undergo long-term treatment with hydroxychloroquine. Retinal toxicity, neuromyopathy, and cardiac disease are recognized adverse effects of hydroxychloroquine. Immediate withdrawal of hydroxychloroquine is essential if toxicity is suspected because of the early reversibility of cardiomyopathy. In addition to recommended ophthalmological screening, regular screening with 12-lead electrocardiogram and transthoracic echocardiography to detect conduction system disease and/or biventricular morphological or functional changes should be considered in hydroxychloroquine-treated patients. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and endomyocardial biopsy are valuable tools to provide prognostic insights and confirm the diagnosis of hydroxychloroquine-induced cardiomyopathy. In conclusion, chronic use of hydroxychloroquine can result in an acquired lysosomal storage disorder, leading to a drug-induced cardiomyopathy characterized by concentric hypertrophy and conduction abnormalities associated with increased adverse clinical outcomes and mortality.
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