Asymptomatic Myocarditis with Mild Cardiac Marker Elevation Following Nivolumab-Induced Myositis

Int Heart J. 2022;63(1):180-183. doi: 10.1536/ihj.21-653.

Abstract

Although myocarditis following immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy is rarely reported, it is considered clinically important because of its high mortality rate. Although various tests may be used for early diagnosis, abnormalities suggestive of myocarditis may not be detected. We report a case of ICI-induced myositis and concurrent asymptomatic myocarditis with mild cardiac marker elevation following nivolumab therapy in a 79-year-old man with metastatic gastric cancer. In this case, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging was useful for diagnosis. Treatment with oral prednisolone rapidly improved the patient's symptoms and creatine kinase levels. Follow-up examination revealed no flare-up of myositis and exacerbation of myocarditis. Since ICI-induced myositis is often complicated by myocarditis, this case report highlights the importance of detecting concurrent myocarditis in patients with ICI-induced myositis through intensive cardiac assessments to improve clinical outcomes.

Keywords: Cardio-oncology; Immune checkpoint inhibitor; Immune-related adverse events; Onco-cardiology.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological / adverse effects*
  • Asymptomatic Diseases
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Myocarditis / blood
  • Myocarditis / chemically induced*
  • Myocarditis / diagnosis*
  • Myositis / chemically induced*
  • Myositis / diagnosis
  • Myositis / therapy
  • Natriuretic Peptide, Brain / blood
  • Nivolumab / adverse effects*
  • Peptide Fragments / blood
  • Stomach Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Stomach Neoplasms / pathology
  • Troponin / blood

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological
  • Peptide Fragments
  • Troponin
  • pro-brain natriuretic peptide (1-76)
  • Natriuretic Peptide, Brain
  • Nivolumab