Capecitabine-induced cardiotoxicity: when to suspect? How to manage? A case report

J Cardiovasc Med (Hagerstown). 2009 Sep;10(9):722-6. doi: 10.2459/JCM.0b013e32832bb9b1.

Abstract

We present a case of capecitabine-induced cardiac toxicity manifested by chest pain, ST-segment elevation and ventricular tachycardia. Symptoms and ECG alterations were completely reversible after withdrawal of the drug. Coronary angiography demonstrated the absence of epicardial coronary spasm. We suggest cardiac monitoring with ECG Holter and effort ECG during the first days of drug administration. Prompt evaluation of chest pain in this setting is of paramount importance.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Angina Pectoris / chemically induced*
  • Angina Pectoris / drug therapy
  • Angina Pectoris / physiopathology
  • Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic / adverse effects*
  • Capecitabine
  • Chemotherapy, Adjuvant
  • Colonic Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Colonic Neoplasms / secondary
  • Colonic Neoplasms / surgery
  • Coronary Angiography
  • Coronary Vasospasm / chemically induced*
  • Coronary Vasospasm / drug therapy
  • Coronary Vasospasm / physiopathology
  • Deoxycytidine / adverse effects
  • Deoxycytidine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Diltiazem / therapeutic use
  • Electrocardiography
  • Fluorouracil / adverse effects
  • Fluorouracil / analogs & derivatives*
  • Heart Rate / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Tachycardia, Ventricular / chemically induced*
  • Tachycardia, Ventricular / drug therapy
  • Tachycardia, Ventricular / physiopathology
  • Vasodilator Agents / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic
  • Vasodilator Agents
  • Deoxycytidine
  • Capecitabine
  • Diltiazem
  • Fluorouracil