Isotretinoin (13-cis-retinoic acid) -associated premature ventricular contractions
Kiliç, E.; Sahin, M.; Sahin, S.; Ozer, S.
Turkish Journal of Pediatrics 51(4): 387-388
2009
ISSN/ISBN: 0041-4301 PMID: 19950851 Document Number: 632580
Isotretinoin (13-cis-retinoic acid), a synthetic vitamin A derivative, is used to treat a wide variety of dermatologic conditions including severe acne. Isotretinoin can trigger premature ventricular contractions (PVCs). We describe a 17-year-old boy who presented with PVCs on electrocardiogram during isotretinoin (Roaccutane, Roche) treatment for nodular facial acne. Presence of documented PVCs -on electrocardiogram and Holter monitoring- and the disappearance of these PVCs after cessation of the treatment strongly suggest isotretinoin-related PVCs in our case. The impact of isotretinoin on ventricular rhythm can not be ruled out in our case as we have revealed the presence of the temporal association of isotretinoin and documented PVCs. Thus, clinicians should be aware of possible arrhythmogenic effect(s) of isotretinoin.