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[Cardiomyopathy due to 5-fluorouracil]
V Besnard1, B Leroy, B Vilette
1Département d'Anesthésie-Réanimation chirurgicale 2, Hôpital régional, C.H.U., Lille.
Cahiers D'Anesthesiologie
|June 1, 1989
Summary
A patient experienced circulatory failure after chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil and cisplatin. Myocardial contractility improved within three weeks, indicating potential cardiotoxicity from 5-fluorouracil.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is a widely used chemotherapy agent.
- Cardiotoxicity is a known, albeit rare, adverse effect of 5-FU.
- Concurrent administration with platinum-based agents may influence toxicity profiles.
Observation:
- A patient developed acute circulatory failure immediately following the first cycle of chemotherapy combining 5-FU and cisplatin.
- Clinical presentation necessitated mechanical ventilation and catecholamine support.
- Cardiac function assessment revealed impaired myocardial contractility.
Findings:
- Right heart catheterization and two-dimensional echocardiography confirmed myocardial dysfunction.
- The patient's cardiac status demonstrated rapid and favorable recovery.
- Normalization of cardiac function was observed by the third week of follow-up.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for 5-FU, even in combination regimens, to induce significant cardiotoxicity.
- Early recognition and supportive care are crucial for managing chemotherapy-induced cardiac events.
- Further investigation into the mechanisms and risk factors for 5-FU cardiotoxicity is warranted.