Reversible dilated cardiomyopathy associated with amphotericin B therapy

Amphotericin B (AmB) is commonly used to treat a broad spectrum of fungal infections and leishmaniasis. Its use is limited by numerous adverse effects. Reversible dilated cardiomyopathy associated with AmB is a rare disorder with only four previously reported cases, and all of them referring to patients who presented with a predisposing factor for heart failure.

A previously healthy 45-year-old man with visceral leishmaniasis treated with AmB developed acute dilated cardiomyopathy. Other causes of heart failure as well-known predisposing factors for this condition were ruled out. As with previously reported cases, the cardiac function of our patient returned to normal shortly after.

We describe the first case of dilated cardiomyopathy associated with the administration of AmB in a patient without any known predisposing factor for developing cardiac dysfunction. Available evidence suggests that AmB may induce cardiotoxicity. Further investigations are needed to clarify this issue.