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Clozapine induced myopericarditis: early recognition improves clinical outcome

Mansour Razminia1, Yasser Salem, Sivasubramaniam Devaki

  • 1Section of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Mount Sinai Hospital Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois 60608, USA.

American Journal of Therapeutics
|June 15, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Clozapine, an antipsychotic for resistant schizophrenia, can rarely cause myopericarditis mimicking heart attack. Early recognition and clozapine withdrawal are crucial for patient recovery.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Psychiatry
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Clozapine is an atypical antipsychotic used for treatment-resistant schizophrenia.
  • Myocarditis is an uncommon but serious adverse effect associated with clozapine therapy.

Observation:

  • A case presented with symptoms mimicking acute myocardial infarction, including abnormal electrocardiogram and cardiac markers.
  • Coronary angiography revealed no epicardial coronary occlusion but significant left ventricular systolic dysfunction.

Findings:

  • The patient experienced myopericarditis, a condition involving inflammation of the heart muscle and surrounding sac.
  • Immediate cessation of clozapine and supportive treatment led to full recovery.

Implications:

  • Cardiovascular health professionals must recognize clozapine-induced myopericarditis to prevent misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment.
  • Awareness of this side effect is vital for improving patient outcomes in schizophrenia treatment.

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