Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 28, 2026

A Doxorubicin-Induced Murine Model of Dilated Cardiomyopathy In Vivo
Published on: May 16, 2020
Ibrutinib-induced cardiomyopathy
Htay Htay Kyi1, Yazan Zayed1, Samer Al Hadidi2
1Internal Medicine Department, Hurley Medical Center/Michigan State University, Flint, USA.
Insights
Ibrutinib, used for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), may cause cardiomyopathy, a previously unreported side effect. This case highlights the need for cardiac monitoring in patients receiving this blood cancer medication.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Ibrutinib is increasingly used for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and other hematologic malignancies.
- Atrial fibrillation is a recognized side effect, but cardiomyopathy has not been previously associated with ibrutinib therapy.
Observation:
- An 88-year-old male with CLL developed new-onset atrial fibrillation and symptomatic systolic congestive heart failure.
- These cardiac events occurred one month after initiating ibrutinib treatment.
Findings:
- Despite discontinuing ibrutinib, the patient exhibited a persistent low ejection fraction four months post-cessation.
- Cardiac catheterization ruled out ischemic heart disease as the cause of the heart failure.
Implications:
- This case suggests a potential novel side effect of ibrutinib, specifically cardiomyopathy.
- Clinicians should consider monitoring cardiac function in patients treated with ibrutinib, particularly for new-onset heart failure symptoms.
Abstract:
The use of ibrutinib for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and other hematologic malignancies is blooming. Atrial fibrillation is a known side effect of ibrutinib but cardiomyopathy was not reported previously. We present an 88-year-old man with CLL who was admitted to the hospital with new-onset atrial fibrillation and symptomatic systolic congestive heart failure one month after ibrutinib initiation. Although ibrutinib was discontinued, the patient continues to have a low ejection fraction four months after discontinuation. Ischemic heart disease was ruled out with normal cardiac catheterization. This case highlights a possible new side effect of ibrutinib that needs to be monitored while patients receive this medication.
Related Concept Videos
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care
Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification
Cardiomyopathy VI: Nursing Management

