Suspected Denosumab-Associated Acute Coronary Syndrome

Matthew Maharaj1, Arun Katwaroo1, Priya Ramcharan2

  • 1Department of Medicine, North West Regional Health Authority, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.

Insights

Denosumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting RANKL, may increase the risk of acute coronary syndrome. This case report highlights a potential link between denosumab treatment and myocardial infarction in a patient without traditional cardiovascular risk factors.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Denosumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL), is used for bone diseases and giant cell tumors.
  • Emerging evidence suggests RANKL inhibition may affect cardiovascular health through various pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a case of acute coronary syndrome in a patient treated with denosumab.
  • To explore the potential association between denosumab and myocardial infarction.

Main Methods:

  • Case report of a 48-year-old man with recurrent giant cell tumors treated with denosumab.
  • Clinical presentation, coronary angiography, and treatment of ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome.
  • Review of potential biological mechanisms linking RANKL inhibition to atherothrombotic events.

Main Results:

  • The patient developed an anterior ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome shortly after receiving denosumab.
  • Coronary angiography showed thrombotic occlusion of the left anterior descending artery.
  • The event occurred in the absence of traditional cardiometabolic risk factors.

Conclusions:

  • A denosumab-associated myocardial infarction was considered the most probable cause of the patient's acute coronary syndrome.
  • This case suggests a potential link between denosumab and atherothrombotic cardiovascular events.
  • Further research is warranted to investigate the cardiovascular safety of denosumab.

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