Paclitaxel-Associated Coronary Vasospasm With Transient ST-Segment Elevation and Hemodynamic Instability

Paclitaxel is a widely used chemotherapeutic agent with rare but potentially life-threatening cardiovascular toxicity.

A 58-year-old woman developed chest discomfort and syncopized within minutes of receiving her first paclitaxel infusion for recurrent cervical adenocarcinoma. Electrocardiography demonstrated inferior ST-segment elevation with reciprocal changes concerning for inferior-posterior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Despite near-complete electrocardiographic resolution, emergent coronary angiography was pursued and revealed severe diffuse coronary vasospasm without obstructive disease. Administration of intracoronary nitroglycerin resulted in prompt angiographic vasodilation, normalization of electrocardiographic changes, and hemodynamic stabilization. Transthoracic echocardiography demonstrated preserved biventricular systolic function.

Paclitaxel-associated coronary vasospasm is capable of mimicking a STEMI and requires immediate angiographic assessment despite electrocardiogram resolution, especially when clinical instability is present.

Paclitaxel can precipitate abrupt, severe coronary vasospasm with shock physiology. Intracoronary nitroglycerin is a low-risk, high-yield intervention that confirms the diagnosis, excludes alternative STEMI mimics, and provides immediate therapy.