Clozapine Associated with Autoimmune Reaction, Fever and Low Level Cardiotoxicity - A Case Report.

BACKGROUND

Clozapine is a second-generation antipsychotic drug used in treatment-resistant schizophrenia. Fever induced by clozapine is a rather frequent side-effect which usually occurs in the first 4 weeks of treatment. Despite its effectiveness, there are potentially life-threatening adverse effects, such as cardiotoxicity.

CASE REPORT: We present the case of a 31-year-old caucasian male with refractory schizophrenia who developed benign fever, increase of C-reactive protein and high troponin levels, without presenting any other signs to myocarditis, on the 13th day under clozapine treatment, which declined progressively upon discontinuation of the drug.

DISCUSSION: This case hints at the presence of initially subclinical cardiotoxicity as an underlying factor in patients developing fever.

CONCLUSION

Taking advantage of more sensitive methods for measuring troponin, clinicians would be promptly aware of this possible side-effect. This would allow for significant reduction of the risk of cardiac dysfunction, further attained by carefully monitoring the patient.