Isotretinoin (13-cis-retinoic acid) associated atrial tachycardia

Pacing Clin Electrophysiol. 2005 Apr;28(4):348-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1540-8159.2005.09365.x.

Abstract

We describe a 16-year-old boy who presented with palpitations for 1 week while being on isotretinoin treatment for nodulocystic facial acne for 3 months. Twenty four-hour Holter monitoring showed frequent premature atrial beats and episodes of nonsustained atrial tachycardia. He never had any episodes of palpitations previously. His complaints almost disappeared within a week after stopping the treatment. He remained asymptomatic since the discontinuation of the drug. The temporal relationship between isotretinoin treatment and patient's symptoms in the presence of documented arrhythmia suggests a drug-related cause. As a result, clinicians should be aware of the possible arrhythmogenic effect of isotretinoin.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acne Vulgaris / drug therapy
  • Adolescent
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Electrocardiography
  • Humans
  • Isotretinoin / adverse effects*
  • Male
  • Tachycardia, Supraventricular / chemically induced*

Substances

  • Isotretinoin