Drug-Induced Cardiomyopathy
Drug-induced cardiomyopathy is one of the most common forms of dialated cardiomyopathy.
Myocardial damage may be induced by various drugs. Adriamycin and other anthracyclines are one of the most effective chemotherapeutic agents in oncology. However, patients might develop distinctive dose-dependent cardiac toxicity which might be life threatening.
Limited data is available on the mechanisms responsible for anthracycline-induced heart failure or its recovery. In general, cardiac function is preserved until a critical degree of myocardial damage occurs, after which myocardial performance deteriorates rapidly.
Presently left ventricular ejection fraction by gated blood pool (GBP)/multi-gated acquisition (MUGA) studies are routinely used to screen for cardiotoxicity. Serial radionuclide LVEF monitoring by GBP/MUGA scan is most commonly used to monitor cardiotoxicity. This screening test should be done prior to:
- Beginning therapy
- Appropriate points based on the therapy regime and often patient's clinical status
Other investigations
- Iodine-123-metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) scintigraphy: for the assessment of cardiac adrenergic innervation
- Indium-111-antimyosin scintigraphy for the detection of myocardial cell injury
- Endomyocardial biopsy
