Reversible cardiomyopathy caused by administration of interferon 
Aarif Y Khakoo, Marc K Halushka, J Eduardo Rame, E Rene Rodriguez, Edward K Kasper and Daniel P Judge*
Correspondence
*
Department of Cardiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Carnegie 568, 600 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
Email djudge@jhmi.edu
Background A 56-year-old man with normal cardiac function received treatment with interferon 
-2b for malignant melanoma. Eight months after the initiation of therapy he developed fatigue and dyspnea on exertion. Two months later, he was admitted to hospital with ORTHOPNEA, worsening dyspnea and cough. Physical examination findings were consistent with congestive heart failure. Laboratory studies were notable for hypothyroidism. Echocardiography revealed severe, global left-ventricular dysfunction.
Investigations Echocardiogram, electrocardiogram, serum chemistries, coronary angiography, right-heart and left-heart catheterization and endomyocardial biopsy.
Diagnosis Interferon -2b-induced cardiomyopathy.
Management Intravenous dobutamine and dopamine for cardiogenic shock and discontinuation of interferon -2b.
Full text of this article is available with one of the following:
- Personal subscription Purchase your own personal subscription to this journal. Already a subscriber? Please log in for immediate access.
- 7 day single article pass for US$32 In order to purchase this article you must be a registered user. Please register or log in.
- Site licence Learn more about institutional site licences
Current Subscribers
Please log in to access the full text article using the login box at the top of the page.
