Work

Successful Management of Fulminant Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor–Associated Myocarditis Amid Corticosteroid Constraints and Clinical-Biomarker Dissociation

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-associated myocarditis is an uncommon but life-threatening complication. Management is particularly challenging when high-dose corticosteroids are contraindicated and in the presence of clinical-biomarker dissociation. CASE SUMMARY: A 69-year-old man presented with cardiogenic shock and ventricular tachycardia 3 weeks after his first dose of pembrolizumab for lung adenocarcinoma. Despite corticosteroid constraints owing to pulmonary tuberculosis and the complexity of clinical decision-making during tapering with rebound troponin T elevation, the patient achieved favorable long-term survival. DISCUSSION: This case demonstrates a successful management strategy for fulminant ICI-associated myocarditis under the dual constraints of limited corticosteroid use and persistent biomarker elevation, offering valuable clinical insights. TAKE-HOME MESSAGES: Rebound elevation of troponin T levels may indicate myocardial remodeling rather than active injury, supporting corticosteroid tapering in clinically stable patients. In patients with ICI-associated myocarditis and contraindications to corticosteroids, early steroid tapering combined with alternative immunosuppressive therapy may still achieve favorable outcomes.

Source: JACC Case Reports

DOI: 10.1016/j.jaccas.2025.106787

Authors: Yunting Zhang, Yanwen Fang, Lifang Zhang, Wenjing Wu, Jingang Zheng

Institutions: China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Fu Wai Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Cancer Immunotherapy and Biomarkers

Subfield: Oncology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $850