Severe thrombocytopenia caused by digitoxin intoxication in a patient with heart failure associated with Sjögren's syndrome

Jpn Circ J. 2000 Apr;64(4):309-11. doi: 10.1253/jcj.64.309.

Abstract

Congestive heart failure (CHF) related to Sjögren's syndrome is extremely rare. This report concerns a patient who presented with CHF and severe thrombocytopenia (5,000/microl). Serum concentrations of K, Mg and digitoxin were 3.2mmol/L, 1.4mg/L and 57.2ng/ml, respectively. Digitoxin intoxication was evident, seemingly evoked by hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hepatorenal dysfunction and hypothyroidism. The severe thrombocytopenia was considered to have been caused by this intoxication, as it disappeared soon after the digitoxin was discontinued and potassium was supplemented.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cardiotonic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Cardiotonic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Digitoxin / adverse effects*
  • Digitoxin / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Heart Failure / blood
  • Heart Failure / drug therapy*
  • Heart Failure / etiology
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Sjogren's Syndrome*
  • Thrombocytopenia / chemically induced*
  • Thrombocytopenia / physiopathology

Substances

  • Cardiotonic Agents
  • Digitoxin