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Case Report and Review of the Literature: Cardiomyopathy in a Young Woman on High-Dose Quetiapine

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Abstract

We describe a case of cardiomyopathy due to quetiapine. Atypical antipsychotics are known for their multiple and sometimes dangerous side effects. Various studies showed increased sudden cardiac death and sudden unexpected deaths. Quetiapine can cause tachycardia and QT prolongation, alongside a broad list of other side effects. Cardiomyopathy has been reported, but a causative relation was doubted. We report a case of a 37-year-old woman developing a cardiomyopathy under high doses of quetiapine. Symptoms and ultrasound signs largely recovered in the course of the next months after quetiapine was stopped.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Medicine, University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Building S, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium

    David M. E. Smolders

  2. Department of Cardiology, AZ KLINA, Augustijnslei, 100, 2930, Brasschaat, Belgium

    Walter A. P. Smolders

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  1. David M. E. Smolders
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  2. Walter A. P. Smolders
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Correspondence to Walter A. P. Smolders.

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Smolders, D.M.E., Smolders, W.A.P. Case Report and Review of the Literature: Cardiomyopathy in a Young Woman on High-Dose Quetiapine. Cardiovasc Toxicol 17, 478–481 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-016-9390-y

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