Comparative analysis of noninvasive cardiac parameters in the detection and evaluation of adriamycin cardiotoxicity

Serial electrocardiograms, phonocardiograms and echocardiograms were recorded in a prospective study of 45 closely-followed patients receiving chemotherapy with Adriamycin (doxorubicin hydrochloride, Adria Labs.). QRS voltage, systolic time intervals (STI), echocardiographic ejection fraction (EF) and rate of ventricular circumferential fiber shortening (Vcf) were compared as indicators of Adriamycin cardiotoxicity. Seven patients (16%) developed a decline in left ventricular function. Four of these seven patients (57%) developed symptoms and signs of congestive heart failure (CHF). The pre-ejection period/left ventricular ejection time (PEP/LVET) was earliest to change and was the least specific of the noninvasive parameters. The ejection fraction was the most specific parameter in predicting clinical cardiotoxicity. In every case of congestive heart failure, significant changes in ejection fraction, Vcf and PEP/LVET preceded the onset of symptoms, suggesting that measurement of the ejection fraction and systolic time intervals will allow early prediction and avoidance of heart failure. A fall in the ejection fraction of greater than or equal to 10% may represent sufficient grounds for discontinuing Adriamycin.