Severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction in a patient with a typical haemolytic–uraemic syndrome treated with rituximab—coincidence or cause?

A 26-year-old female with haemolytic–uraemic syndrome (HUS) refractory to daily plasma exchange was successfully treated with rituximab. Subsequent testing confirmed the presence of mutations in genes encoding complement factor I and CD46. On Day 32 she developed pulmonary oedema, and echocardiography demonstrated severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction. There was no evidence of recent myocardial infarction. Cardiac involvement has been reported, not only in thrombotic thrombocytopaenic purpura (TTP) but also with rituximab therapy. However, it is unclear if atypical HUS is also associated with cardiac disease. We recommend echocardiography in all patients with TTP–HUS and in any patients commencing treatment with rituximab.