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[Reversible cardiomyopathy secondary to interferon-alpha in chronic myelogenous leukemia]

Eisuke Uehara1, Tadahisa Uesugi, Taizo Tasaka

  • 1Division of Internal Medicine, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital.

Gan to Kagaku Ryoho. Cancer & Chemotherapy
|February 28, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha), a CML treatment, rarely causes cardiac toxicity. A patient developed cardiomyopathy from IFN-alpha, which resolved after treatment cessation and supportive care.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Hematology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) is a standard treatment for chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML).
  • Cardiac toxicity associated with IFN-alpha therapy in CML patients is uncommon.
  • This case highlights a rare adverse effect of IFN-alpha treatment.

Observation:

  • A 62-year-old female CML patient on IFN-alpha and hydroxycarbamide presented with chest pain, dyspnea, and altered consciousness.
  • Diagnostic imaging revealed cardiomegaly, pulmonary congestion, diffuse cardiac hypokinesis, and a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 34%.

Findings:

  • The patient was diagnosed with IFN-alpha-induced cardiomyopathy.
  • Treatment involved supportive care with diuretics, inotropes, and discontinuation of IFN-alpha.
  • Following IFN-alpha cessation, LVEF improved to 50% within one month, and the patient was discharged.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of monitoring cardiac function in CML patients receiving IFN-alpha.
  • Early recognition and management of IFN-alpha-induced cardiomyopathy can lead to favorable outcomes.
  • Further research into the mechanisms of IFN-alpha cardiotoxicity is warranted.

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