Reversible Cardiomyopathy After Epirubicin Administration
Norimichi Koitabashi1, Yoshiaki Ohyama, Rieko Tateno
1Department of Medicine and Biological Science, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine.
International Heart Journal
|June 25, 2015
Summary
Epirubicin chemotherapy, used for breast cancer, can cause temporary heart dysfunction. A 70-year-old patient experienced reversible heart failure, highlighting potential subacute cardiotoxicity.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Anthracyclines are chemotherapy agents known to cause cardiotoxicity.
- Epirubicin, an anthracycline, is frequently used in breast cancer treatment and is considered less cardiotoxic than doxorubicin.
Observation:
- A 70-year-old woman with breast cancer developed severe left ventricular dysfunction and congestive heart failure six weeks after epirubicin administration.
- The patient's cardiac function showed gradual improvement with intensive heart failure treatment.
Findings:
- Complete recovery of left ventricular function was observed within two months.
- This case represents the first documented instance of subacute reversible cardiotoxicity induced by epirubicin.
Implications:
- Epirubicin-induced cardiotoxicity, though potentially severe, may be reversible with prompt management.
- This finding is crucial for monitoring patients undergoing epirubicin chemotherapy and managing potential cardiac side effects.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy
859
Restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) is a rare heart muscle disease characterized by impaired ventricular filling due to stiffened ventricular walls, leading to significant diastolic dysfunction.EtiologyRestrictive cardiomyopathy can arise from both inherited and acquired diseases, many of which are systemic. It is categorized into four main types: infiltrative, storage, non-infiltrative, and endomyocardial diseases.Infiltrative diseases, such as amyloidosis, lead to RCM by depositing amyloid...
859
01:30Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy
784
Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, is a progressive myocardial disorder characterized by ventricular chamber dilation and contractile dysfunction.EtiologyVarious factors can cause DCM, including hypertension and heavy alcohol intake, which contribute to the weakening and enlargement of the heart muscle. Viral infections, such as Coxsackievirus B, adenoviruses, and influenza, can lead to DCM by causing inflammation and damage to heart tissue. Certain chemotherapeutic agents, including daunorubicin,...
784
01:25Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification
835
Cardiomyopathy, or CMP, is a group of diseases affecting the myocardial structure, impairing its ability to pump blood effectively. This condition can lead to arrhythmias, heart failure, or sudden cardiac death.Cardiomyopathies are classified into primary and secondary categories:Primary Cardiomyopathy refers to conditions involving only the heart muscle that are often idiopathic (of unknown cause) or genetic. They primarily affect the myocardium without the involvement of other systemic...
835
01:21Myocarditis I: Introduction
603
Myocarditis is inflammation of the myocardium, which is the muscular layer of the heart.EtiologyMyocarditis has a diverse etiology, including a wide range of infectious and non-infectious causes:Infectious CausesViral: Common viruses include Coxsackie A and B, adenovirus, parvovirus B19, enteroviruses, and influenza A.Bacterial: Examples include infections caused by Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Mycoplasma species.Rickettsial: Infections like Rocky Mountain spotted fever can result in...
603
01:23Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction
904
Rheumatic heart disease or RHD is a chronic condition that results from rheumatic fever, causing permanent damage to the heart valves.Etiology and Risk FactorsIt primarily arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can develop after untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. Streptococcus spreads through direct contact with oral or respiratory secretions. While the bacteria are the causative agents, factors like malnutrition, overcrowding, poor...
904
01:29Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
748
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...
748