Sinus Node Dysfunction Co-occurring with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-associated Myocarditis

Intern Med. 2022 Jul 15;61(14):2161-2165. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.8575-21. Epub 2022 Mar 12.

Abstract

Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-induced myocarditis is a potentially life-threatening adverse event. We herein report a rare case of sick sinus syndrome (SSS) co-occurring with ICI-associated myocarditis. A 71-year-old woman with lung cancer undergoing pembrolizumab monotherapy was admitted owing to a fever, worsening kidney function, and sinus bradycardia. She was diagnosed with multi-organ immune-related adverse events, including myocarditis. Pulse steroid therapy was initiated immediately under the support of a temporary pacemaker, which resulted in the resolution of SSS in a few days. Biopsy specimens of the endomyocardium showed active myocarditis. Thus, we should be aware that SSS can co-occur with ICI-induced myocarditis.

Keywords: cardio-oncology; case report; immune-related adverse event; myocarditis; pembrolizumab; sick sinus syndrome.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological* / adverse effects
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors / adverse effects
  • Lung Neoplasms* / chemically induced
  • Lung Neoplasms* / complications
  • Lung Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Myocarditis* / chemically induced
  • Myocarditis* / complications
  • Myocarditis* / diagnosis
  • Sick Sinus Syndrome / chemically induced
  • Sick Sinus Syndrome / complications

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological
  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors