5-fluorouracil cardiotoxicity presents with angina and electrocardiographic changes in approximately 90% of cases and is responsive to conservative management in 90% of patients.
What are the clinical features and outcomes of 5-fluorouracil-induced cardiotoxicity?
5-fluorouracil cardiotoxicity is a significant but highly treatable complication characterized by angina, ECG changes, and potentially severe left ventricular dysfunction.
BACKGROUND: A case of reversible cardiogenic shock linked to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) was observed. Recognizing the increasing use of 5-FU, the authors tried to map this syndrome. METHODS: They reviewed 134 additional case reports, retrieved information from literature searches, focused on clinical features, and discussed possible pathophysiologic findings and prevention of this syndrome. RESULTS: Although angina and electrocardiographic changes were common and reproducible (approximately 90% each), coronary artery disease was found in a few patients. A total of 33 patients had severe left ventricular dysfunction, 28 without evidence of myocardial infarction. The symptoms were responsive to conservative management (90%). CONCLUSIONS: Cardiac toxicity is a little known complication of 5-FU therapy, with an unknown but significant incidence. It is highly treatable.
Robben et al. (Fri,) conducted a review in 5-fluorouracil cardiotoxicity (n=135). 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) was evaluated on Clinical features of 5-FU cardiotoxicity. 5-fluorouracil cardiotoxicity presents with angina and electrocardiographic changes in approximately 90% of cases and is responsive to conservative management in 90% of patients.