Cardiac toxicities of Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitors: The risk of pericarditis and cardiac tamponade

Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors are widely used in the management of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) and other B-cell malignancies. Despite their therapeutic efficacy, BTK inhibitors are associated with cardiac toxicities, most notably atrial fibrillation and hypertension. However, our recent case series highlights the rare yet underappreciated risk of pericarditis and cardiac tamponade in patients treated with both first- and second-generation BTK inhibitors. This article highlights the need for vigilance in clinical practice and the importance of timely echocardiography. The challenges of early diagnosis are discussed, as well as the role of emerging technologies, such as point-of-care ultrasound and AI-based diagnostics. Ultimately, a cautious, informed approach is crucial to balance the benefits of BTK therapy with the risk of rare but life-threatening cardiac events.