A rare case of perimyocarditis induced by all-trans retinoic acid administration during induction treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia

Abstract

Treatment by All-Trans Retinoic Acid (ATRA) combined with an Anthracycline Chemotherapy has been shown to improve disease-free survival in patients with Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL). Although ATRA is generally well tolerated, occurrence of Retinoic Acid Syndrome (RAS) during the induction chemotherapy in some patients is recognized as a distinct complication and a potential life-threatening side effect. Isolated myocarditis as a result of RAS related to ATRA administration is uncommon and has been rarely reported in the literature. We report a very rare case of ATRA-induced perimyocarditis accompanied by hemodynamic compromise. There was complete resolution of the signs and symptoms of peri-myocarditis when ATRA was temporary suspended. Finally, ATRA was safely resumed.