Recurrence of dilated cardiomyopathy after re-introduction of a tricyclic antidepressant

Arch Mal Coeur Vaiss. 2006 Oct;99(10):933-5.

Abstract

A causal relationship between treatment with tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) at therapeutic doses and cases of dilated cardiomyopathy has been suspected, but not definitely evidenced. We present a case of a dilated cardiomyopathy, which seemed idiopathic, but occurred during treatment with imipramine and recovered after its withdrawal. For the first recorded time, the cardiomyopathy recurred 9 years later, after a 2-year period of treatment with amitriptyline and lithium, and recovered again 1 year after both psychotropic drugs withdrawal. New arguments for the existence of TCA-induced dilated cardiomyopathy are brought.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / adverse effects*
  • Cardiomyopathy, Dilated / chemically induced*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Imipramine / adverse effects*
  • Middle Aged
  • Recurrence

Substances

  • Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic
  • Imipramine