Heart failure induced by itraconazole.

INTRODUCTION AND

OBJECTIVE

Itraconazole is an antifungal imidazole used for the treatment of aspergillosis. Evidence supporting the association between itraconazole and the onset of congestive heart failure (CHF) is limited and is based on cases reported after drug market release.

CASE REPORT: We report the case of a 76-year-old man with hypertension and COPD GOLD D who experienced heart failure after receiving a new line of treatment with itraconazole. The patient's symptoms resolved completely after the drug's withdrawal and initiation of treatment with diuretic therapy. Using validated algorithms, we concluded that there was a probable association between itraconazole and the onset of CHF.

CONCLUSIONS

The association between the administration of itraconazole and the onset of CHF is difficult to prove. Further observational studies are needed to assess this association. However, based on the available evidence, we should consider this possible adverse effect and even contraindicate this treatment in patients with a structural heart disease.