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Doxorubicin-induced second degree and complete atrioventricular block
Saadettin Kilickap1, Ebru Akgul, Sercan Aksoy
1Hacettepe University Oncology Institute, Medical Oncology Department, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Cardiology Department Sihhiye, 06100 Ankara, Turkey. skillickap@yahoo.com
Summary
Doxorubicin chemotherapy can cause heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias) that are rarely life-threatening. This case report highlights a rare instance of severe, life-threatening arrhythmias induced by doxorubicin treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Doxorubicin is a vital chemotherapy drug for treating various cancers.
- Cardiotoxicity is a significant dose-limiting side effect of doxorubicin therapy.
- Doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy typically manifests years after treatment, linked to cumulative dosage.
Observation:
- Arrhythmia is another form of doxorubicin cardiotoxicity, potentially occurring at any time and dosage.
- While usually not life-threatening, doxorubicin-induced arrhythmias can be severe.
- This report details a specific case of life-threatening arrhythmias linked to doxorubicin administration.
Findings:
- The case illustrates that doxorubicin can precipitate severe cardiac arrhythmias.
- This adverse event occurred despite the general understanding that such arrhythmias are rarely fatal.
- The findings underscore the unpredictable nature of doxorubicin cardiotoxicity.
Implications:
- Clinicians should be vigilant for cardiac arrhythmias in patients receiving doxorubicin, even if seemingly rare.
- Early recognition and management of doxorubicin-induced arrhythmias are crucial.
- This case contributes to understanding the spectrum of doxorubicin's cardiotoxic effects.