Teriparatide-induced atrial tachycardia

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Pharmacology
• Electrophysiology

Background:

• Teriparatide is an injectable bone-forming medication used for osteoporosis.
• Patients with cardiac conditions may require careful monitoring during new medication initiation.

Observation:

• A patient on teriparatide experienced worsening chest pain and tachycardia.
• Remote pacemaker monitoring was utilized for continuous data collection.
• Symptoms correlated temporally with teriparatide injections.

Findings:

• Intermittent atrial tachycardia with 1:1 conduction was observed.
• Transient atrioventricular block was noted.
• This teriparatide-associated arrhythmia is a novel finding.

Implications:

• This case highlights a potential, previously undescribed cardiac side effect of teriparatide.
• Further investigation into teriparatide's cardiac effects is warranted.
• Clinicians should consider cardiac monitoring in at-risk patients initiating teriparatide.