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Updated: Apr 8, 2026
05:26
Postconditioning with Lactate-enriched Blood for Cardioprotection in ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Published on: May 28, 2019
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Rituximab-Induced Acute ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Amit N Keswani1, Cody Williams2, Jyotsna Fuloria3
1The John Ochsner Heart and Vascular Institute, Ochsner Clinic Foundation, New Orleans, LA.
Ochsner Journal
|July 2, 2015
Summary
Rituximab, a B-cell lymphoma treatment, rarely causes acute coronary syndrome (ACS). This case highlights ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) induced by rituximab, emphasizing careful cardiac monitoring during treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Rituximab is a monoclonal antibody therapy for B-cell lymphomas.
- Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a rare but serious potential adverse event associated with rituximab.
- This case examines rituximab-induced ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).
Observation:
- A 46-year-old male with non-Hodgkin lymphoma developed chest pain post-rituximab infusion.
- Electrocardiogram showed ST elevations, indicative of myocardial infarction.
- The patient underwent successful percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with stent placement.
Findings:
- Rituximab administration precipitated an acute coronary syndrome (ACS).
- The patient recovered well after PCI and resumed rituximab therapy under monitoring.
- No further cardiac events occurred during subsequent rituximab treatment.
Implications:
- Chemotherapy-induced ACS requires prompt cardiac evaluation and intervention.
- Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a viable treatment for chemotherapy-induced myocardial infarction.
- Continued rituximab therapy can be safe under close cardiac and oncologic monitoring.
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