Year: 2024
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: Nilotinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) used in patients of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), has been known to cause atherosclerosis and arterial stenosis as a rare complication of long-term or high-dose therapy. Patients in this group are more likely to have coronary or peripheral artery disease; intracranial involvement is comparatively uncommon. Furthermore, studies on nilotinib-induced ischemia in Indian populations are scarce. Here, we present a case of ischemic stroke in a patient on long-term nilotinib treatment who, prior to treatment, had no risk factors for stroke. He presented with subacute symptoms of ataxia, motor and sensory deficit, and a raised low-density lipoprotein. MRI revealed multifocal arterial stenosis, as well as areas of infarction and hypoperfusion in the left cerebral hemisphere. Nilotinib therapy was immediately stopped; the patient was treated with dual antiplatelets, statins, and physiotherapy, and he had no major focal deficits on discharge. However, this case serves as a good reminder that even for patients considered to be largely safe from cardiovascular adverse events, regular monitoring of cardiovascular parameters is important so that timely preventive action can be initiated if necessary.
Source: Cureus
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.72952
Authors: Shamira Sibal, Ashwini Patankar, Tushar Raut
Institution: Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital
Language: English
Subfield: Epidemiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4404050448