Myopericarditis Following Use of Selective Androgen Receptor Modifier "RAD-140"

Abstract

We report the case of a 16-year-old boy who had myopericarditis following the first dose of a selective androgen receptor modulator called Testolone ("RAD-140"). These drugs are widely abused by physically active young adults; however, the drugs' side effects, which can be life-threatening, are not well characterized.

Keywords: RAD-140; Testolone modulator; myocarditis; selective androgen receptor.

Graphical abstract

Figure 1

12-Lead Electrocardiogram The tracing shows mild ST-segment depression in leads V₁ and V₂ and mild ST-segment elevation in leads V₅ and V₆.

Figure 2

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Images (A to C) During the patient’s initial presentation, (A) the 4-chamber view. (B) the left ventricular outflow view, and (C) the short-axis view between the left ventricular midcavity and the apex show patchy inflammatory necrosis (arrows) in the acute myocarditis phase. Images were acquired late >10 minutes after contrast injection showing late gadolinium enhancement (arrows) in a characteristic epicardial or nonischemic distribution in the left ventricular free wall and apex. There is also pericardial enhancement. (D to F) Images obtained 4 months later in (D) the 4-chamber view, (E) the left ventricular outflow tract view, and (F) the short-axis view between the left ventricular midcavity and the apex show resolving inflammatory necrosis (arrows).

Figure 3

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Images (A and B) Images on initial presentation. (A) Areas with high signal intensities in a nonischemic distribution pattern on late gadolinium enhancement images (arrows). (B) Regional high T2 signal on T2-weighted images (arrows). (C and D) Images obtained 4 months later show (C) resolving late gadolinium enhancement and (D) no T2 signal on T2-weighted images (arrows).