Citation

Simko J, Nagy G, Dózsa A, Larincz I. Acta Neuropsyciatr. 2012; 24(4): 247-250.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, Cambridge University Press)

DOI

10.1111/j.1601-5215.2012.00639.x

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Although sinus node dysfunction is primarily related to degenerative fibrosis of nodal tissue in the elderly, it may occur at any age secondary to other cardiac abnormalities or extrinsic causes. Pharmacologic agents including psychotropic drug therapy may also play a role.

METHOD: We present the case of a 53-year-old woman with bipolar affective disorder in whom antipsychotic agents were suspected of inducing sinus node dysfunction.

RESULT: The combination of psychotropic agents including lithium, quetiapine and carbamazepine (first occasion) or escitalopram (second occasion) has been implicated as a cause for sinus node dysfunction.

CONCLUSION: Patients with severe mental illness usually require long-term psychotropic drug therapy, often in combination. This may enhance efficacy but also involves an increased risk of adverse effects including cardiotoxicity. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Language: en

Keywords

adult; human; female; case report; bipolar disorder; suicide attempt; adverse effects; polypharmacy; levothyroxine; fatigue; article; quetiapine; lithium carbonate; acetylsalicylic acid; cardiotoxicity; carbamazepine; escitalopram; heart rate; hyperlipidemia; clonazepam; electrocardiography monitoring; artificial heart pacemaker; ketoconazole; heart left ventricle ejection fraction; heart left ventricle hypertrophy; transthoracic echocardiography; sinus bradycardia; sinus node dysfunction; hydrochlorothiazide; amiloride; T wave; heart atrium enlargement; thyroidectomy; sinus rhythm; cinolazepam; aorta valve regurgitation; heart left ventricle size; psychotropic drugs; spondylosis