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Updated: Aug 9, 2026
06:18
Measurement of Myocardial Lactate Production for Diagnosis of Coronary Microvascular Spasm
Published on: September 17, 2021
Coronary artery spasm induced by capecitabine
Alfonso Sestito1, Gregory Angelo Sgueglia, Carmelo Pozzo
1Institutes of Internal Medicine/Oncology, Università Cattolica del Sacro-Cuore, Rome, Italy. a.sestito@eudoramail.com
Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine (Hagerstown, Md.)
|April 29, 2006
Summary
Capecitabine therapy can induce coronary artery spasm, presenting as angina. This case highlights the importance of considering drug-induced cardiac events in cancer patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Capecitabine is an oral chemotherapeutic agent converted to 5-fluorouracil, used for metastatic breast and colorectal cancers.
- Physicians managing cancer patients must be aware of potential capecitabine side effects.
Observation:
- A 44-year-old woman with breast carcinoma developed effort angina during capecitabine treatment.
- Initial cardiac evaluations including ECG and echocardiography were normal.
Findings:
- Exercise stress testing revealed ST-segment elevation and angina, resolving after capecitabine withdrawal.
- Coronary artery spasm was confirmed as the cause of symptoms, likely induced by capecitabine.
Implications:
- This case underscores the potential for capecitabine to cause coronary artery vasospasm.
- Awareness of this adverse effect is crucial for early diagnosis and management in patients receiving capecitabine therapy.
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