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A young man with acute dilated cardiomyopathy associated with methylphenidate
Authors Nymark T, Hovland A, Bjørnstad H, Nielsen EW
Published 11 April 2008 Volume 2008:4(2) Pages 477—479
Tor-Bjarne Nymark1, A Hovland2, H Bjørnstad2, E W Nielsen1,3
1Section for Emergency Medicine; 2Department of Cardiology, Nordland Hospital, Bodø, Norway; 3University of Tromsø, Tromsø, Norway
Abstract: An 18-year-old obese man with a body mass index of 40, diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and treated with methylphenidate (Concerta®) was acutely admitted to hospital with hypoxia and dyspnoea. On investigation signs of liver-, renal-, and heart-failure were found. Noradrenalin infusion was started. Echocardiography showed dilated left ventricle and an ejection fraction (EF) of 25%. Liver function improved, noradrenalin and dobutamine were tapered, but three days after admission a new echocardiography showed an EF of 10%. The patient was transferred to the National Hospital (Rikshospitalet, Oslo), where intensified treatment including intra aortic balloon pump (IABP) was instituted. Cardiac function improved, and 3 weeks later the IABP was disconnected. EF at this point was 15%. The patient was denied heart transplantation due to various cofactors. The investigation concluded with a probable relationship between his cardiomyopathy and the use of methylphenidate (Concerta).
Keywords: cardiomyopathy, heart failure, ADHD, methylphenidate
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