A Case of Stress-Induced Cardiomyopathy After Ketamine Infusion.
Cureus – May 01, 2024
Source: PubMed
Summary
A concerning cardiac reaction to IV ketamine therapy highlights potential risks of this promising depression treatment. A patient developed stress-induced cardiomyopathy and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction shortly after receiving ketamine infusion. Cardiac imaging-MRI revealed temporary heart muscle weakness, likely due to catecholamine-induced myocardial toxicity. The patient recovered fully with supportive care.
Abstract
We report the case of a 64-year-old female with a history of hypothyroidism and isolated parotid sarcoidosis who presented with acute-onset chest pain and dyspnea. Echocardiogram demonstrated transiently reduced ejection fraction with apical hypokinesis, without evidence of obstructive coronary lesions on angiography, compatible with stress-induced cardiomyopathy. She received a ketamine infusion as a mental health treatment shortly before the development of symptoms, suggesting that this medication may have precipitated her cardiomyopathy. In recent years, ketamine has become a popular option for treating mental health disorders, including major depressive disorder and substance use disorders. It should be used with caution in patients with known cardiovascular disease, and its cardiac effects warrant further study.