Introduction:

The progression of 10-30% of prostate cancer (PC) to metastasis and its resistance to androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) constitutes metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), in which new therapies such as abiraterone improve survival, but with significant cardiovascular side effects such as QT prolongation and hypokalemia. The association between torsade de pointes (TdP) ventricular arrhythmias and abiraterone is rare, which is why we report this case.

Clinical case:

An 81-year-old man was seen in the emergency room after syncope, with an initial ECG showing a right bundle branch block, supraventricular extrasystoles with QTc prolongation, and subsequent TdP associated with severe hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia. Ventricular systolic function was slightly reduced, and he was found to have mild coronary artery disease. His management required defibrillation along with hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia correction, resulting in QTc normalization. Abiraterone was discontinued and corticosteroid supplementation was added. The adrenal axis results were compatible with hyperaldosteronism secondary to the recent use of abiraterone. The patient was discharged without any complications.

Conclusions:

Hormone therapy in PC has cardiovascular repercussions; therefore, a multidisciplinary approach and follow-up is essential in elderly patients with structural abnormalities that predispose them to major complications such as acquired long QTc and TdP.

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