Immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced myocarditis with myasthenia gravis overlap syndrome: A case report and literature review

Medicine (Baltimore). 2022 Dec 9;101(49):e32240. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000032240.

Abstract

Rationale: The therapeutic value of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in a variety of tumors has been found and recognized, and although ICIs have improved the prognosis of many patients with advanced tumors, these drugs sometimes cause immune-related adverse events (irAEs).

Patient concerns: We report a 67-year-old woman with advanced rectal endocrine tumor. Ten days after receiving two cycles of treatment with camrelizumab combined with http://www.baidu.com/link?url=shAWG4LYTwwBcZAEb6pLb6DkDndJR2tUgOfFiWAkOf0hS-_sj2jjSLBwYaxSiHY3r6yPj31Lp2DCP-7q3w7ho5HIV46V4fbIShFyUY7Cbka sorafenib, the patient suddenly suffered from chest tightness, shortness of breath and progressive aggravation of limb weakness, the high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) was elevated to 3015pg/mL and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) up to 5671pg/mL, and creatine kinase (CK) was 1419U/L.

Diagnosis and interventions: The patient was diagnosed as immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced myocarditis with myasthenia gravis overlap syndrome. The patient was transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU) in time and given oxygen inhalation, glucocorticoids, immunoglobulin and anticholinesterase drugs, and other related treatments.

Outcomes: After 2 weeks, the symptoms of myasthenia gravis (MG) were relieved, and the level of myocardial injury markers decreased significantly, but it was still at a high level. The patient's family refused further treatment, and the patient died soon after.

Lessons: In this paper, Through the report and follow-up analysis of this case, this paper recognizes that the early correct understanding and evaluation of this fulminant and fatal irAEs and the reasonable treatment of patients are very important for the prognosis of patients.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors / adverse effects
  • Muscle Weakness / drug therapy
  • Myasthenia Gravis* / chemically induced
  • Myasthenia Gravis* / diagnosis
  • Myasthenia Gravis* / drug therapy
  • Myocarditis* / chemically induced
  • Myocarditis* / drug therapy
  • Neoplasms* / drug therapy

Substances

  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors