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Letrozole-induced reversible acute heart failure.
Serhat Sekmek1, Dogan Bayram1, Ismet Seven1
1Department of Medical Oncology, Ankara Bilkent City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
Summary
Letrozole, a common hormone therapy for breast cancer, can rarely cause acute heart failure. Stopping the medication led to recovery, highlighting the importance of cardiac monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Cardiology
- Oncology
Background:
- Letrozole is an aromatase inhibitor (AI) used in hormone therapy for breast cancer.
- Aromatase inhibitors suppress estrogen by blocking the conversion of androgens to estrogen.
- Limited data exists on acute heart failure development following AI use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare case of acute heart failure induced by letrozole.
- To emphasize the potential cardiac side effects of letrozole in breast cancer patients.
Main Methods:
- A case report of a 57-year-old woman with hormone-positive breast cancer is presented.
- The patient developed acute heart failure after initiating letrozole treatment post-radiotherapy.
- Cardiac function, including ejection fraction, was monitored.
Main Results:
- The patient presented with cough and dyspnea two weeks after starting letrozole.
- Ejection fraction decreased to 20%, indicating acute heart failure.
- Discontinuation of letrozole resulted in observed improvement in cardiac function.
Conclusions:
- Letrozole can rarely cause reversible acute heart failure.
- Awareness of potential cardiac side effects is crucial for patients undergoing letrozole therapy.
- Consultation with cardiology is recommended for patients experiencing cardiac symptoms during letrozole treatment.
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