¿Mantenimiento o retirada? Pericarditis en un paciente en tratamiento con clozapina: a propósito de un caso

Introduction

Clozapine-induced pericarditis is a rare but potentially serious condition for which discontinuation of clozapine treatment is recommended for resolution.

Presentation of the case

A 17-year-old male under treatment with clozapine due to failure of three previous antipsychotic lines, with good therapeutic response, who two months after starting the drug developed pericarditis.

Discussion

Clozapine-induced myocarditis and pericarditis are serious adverse effects that appear mostly in the first month of treatment. The generalized attitude towards clozapine-induced pericarditis is its withdrawal. This withdrawal may pose an ethical dilemma and should be carefully assessed, as the risk of psychiatric decompensation and loss of quality of life should be taken into account.

Conclusion

This case highlights the importance of performing a risk/benefit balance in each complex case, reflecting the ethical conflict of the management of clozapine adverse effects, since its withdrawal may negatively compromise the patient's psychopathological stability and quality of life.