Pro-BNP in the differential diagnosis of dyspnea in patients treated with immune-checkpoint inhibitors: Case Report

Introduction Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) induced cardiac toxicity can present with non-specific symptoms and signs. Early recognition and treatment are important; however, diagnosis can be challenging. Case report We describe a 67-year-old woman with a history of ICI induced pneumonitis who p...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of oncology pharmacy practice 2022-07, Vol.28 (5), p.1239-1243
Main Authors: Baranseh, Jalal, Ouryvaev, Anton, Moady, Gassan, Shai, Ayelet
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aged
Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors
Biomarkers
Cardiotoxicity - diagnosis
Case reports
Congestive heart failure
Diagnosis, Differential
Differential diagnosis
Diuretics
Dyspnea
Dyspnea - chemically induced
Female
Heart Failure - complications
Humans
Hypoxemia
Immune checkpoint inhibitors
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors - adverse effects
Immunotherapy
Lung cancer
Medical diagnosis
Pembrolizumab
Pneumonitis
Respiration
Steroid hormones
Toxicity
Ventricle
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Summary:Introduction Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) induced cardiac toxicity can present with non-specific symptoms and signs. Early recognition and treatment are important; however, diagnosis can be challenging. Case report We describe a 67-year-old woman with a history of ICI induced pneumonitis who presented with dyspnea, hypoxemia and pulmonary infiltrates while treated with pembrolizumab for lung cancer, initially diagnoses with relapssed pneumonitis. When her condition did not improve with steroids, NT-pro-BNP level was tested and was markedly high, prompting additional tests for heart failure. Management and outcome The patient was diagnosed with ICI induced left ventricular dysfunction and treated with steroids, beta blockers, diuretics, and ACE inhibitors. Her symptoms and imaging studies markedly improved. Discussion Here, we review the literature on ICI induced cardiac toxicity and the role of NT-pro -BNP in triage of patients presenting with dyspnea in the emergency setting. We suggest that measurement of NT-pro -BNP be utilized in patients receiving ICI's and presenting with respiratory abnormalities, to rapidly assess for possible cardiac toxicity.
ISSN:1078-1552
1477-092X
DOI:10.1177/10781552221074007