Premature ventricular contractions associated with isotretinoin use

Abstract

Isotretinoin has been considered a unique drug for acne treatment. However, it is associated with numerous adverse effects. Isotretinoin can trigger premature ventricular contractions. This report describes a 33-year-old-woman who presented with palpitations for 1 week while undergoing 1-month isotretinoin treatment for mild-moderate facial acne. An electrocardiogram and Holter monitoring showed premature ventricular contractions during isotretinoin (Roaccutane, Roche) treatment. Isotretinoin-related premature ventricular contractions were strongly suggested in this case due to the existence of documented premature ventricular contractions on electrocardiograms and the disappearance of these premature ventricular contractions two weeks after termination of the treatment To the authors' knowledge, there has been 1 reported case of premature ventricular contractions linked to isotretinoin use; this report describes a second such case.

Assessment of autonomic nervous system functions and cardiac rhythms in patients using isotretinoin

“…In a study conducted in 45 patients receiving isotretinoin treatment for 6 months due to acne vulgaris, Dursun et al observed no difference in QTc and QT dispersion, which is an indicator of malign ventricular arrhythmia, and in these patients it was safe in terms of ventricular arrhythmia for 6 months of acne treatment [21]. Although rare, in the literature there are cases indicating that isotretinoin can cause ventricular extrasystole and atrial tachycardia attacks [22, 23].…”

Hydroxychloroquine-Induced Premature Ventricular Contractions in a Patient With COVID-19 Disease

“…In fact, PVCs are extra, abnormal heartbeats with a wide and abnormal QRS complex, without a preceding P wave; they can result from hypoxia, hypovolemia, electrolyte abnormalities, medications, or irritation from intracardiac monitoring or pacing catheters; they can also be idiopathic in nature. 6 The PVCs can be serious in themselves if they are numerous, repetitive, and there are several outbreaks of excitement, especially in heart disease, where they can cause tachycardia or atrial fibrillation with sometimes a risk of sudden death.…”

“…In fact, PVCs are extra, abnormal heartbeats with a wide and abnormal QRS complex, without a preceding P wave; they can result from hypoxia, hypovolemia, electrolyte abnormalities, medications, or irritation from intracardiac monitoring or pacing catheters; they can also be idiopathic in nature. 6…”