Cardiomyopathy associated with amphetamine administration

Am Heart J. 1976 Jun;91(6):792-7. doi: 10.1016/s0002-8703(76)80545-5.

Abstract

A 45-year-old woman with congestive heart failure, in whom there was no evidence of coronary heart disease, valve disease, or other demonstrable cause of heart failure, was found to have taken high doses of dextroamphetamine over a long period. Withdrawal of amphetamine resulted in deterioration, suggesting a physical cardiac dependence on the drug. The clinical and autopsy findings are presented and the similarities to the myocarditis associated with pheochromocytoma are discussed. The evidence presented suggests a causal relationship between administration of dextroamphetamine and the cardiomyopathy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Amphetamines / adverse effects*
  • Amphetamines / therapeutic use
  • Cardiomegaly / chemically induced*
  • Depression / drug therapy
  • Electrocardiography
  • Female
  • Heart Failure / chemically induced*
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Myocardium / pathology
  • Myocardium / ultrastructure
  • Radiography, Thoracic
  • Substance-Related Disorders

Substances

  • Amphetamines