[Acute coronary insufficiency during induction of anesthesia following anthracycline chemotherapy]

Cytostatic treatment with anthracyclines lines can lead to acute or chronic myocardial insufficiency. A cumulative dose of less than 500 mg/m2 body surface area can in general be regarded as safe. A case of acute cardio-circulatory insufficiency during induction of anesthesia is described, in which the total cumulative dose did not exceed 250 mg/m2 body surface area. The pathophysiological mechanisms occurring and the diagnostic and therapeutic measures necessary are discussed.