[A case of acute cardiac insufficiency caused by 5-fluorouracil]

The authors report a case of acute cardiac failure linked to 5 fluoro-uracil. The toxicity seen most commonly involves ischemia. The pathophysiological mechanisms are discussed as well as the role played by pharmacokinetic characteristics in the occurrence of adverse reactions. 5 fluoro-uracil (5 FU) is a compound widely used in the treatment of ENT, breast and gastrointestinal carcinomas. The finding of dose-effect relationship may lead the clinician to use different modes of administration. Continuous administration at high dose 3 g/m2/day from D1 to D5) in combination or not with cisplatin, or continuously at low dose (300 mg/m2/day from D1 to D31) can reduce hematopoietic toxicity but, in contrast, increases gastrointestinal toxicity.