An unusual complication following transarterial chemoembolization: acute myocardial infarction

Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol. 2010 Feb;33(1):196-200. doi: 10.1007/s00270-009-9683-7.

Abstract

Transarterial chemoembolization has been widely used to treat unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma. Various complications have been reported, but they have not included acute myocardial infarction. Acute myocardial infarction results mainly from coronary artery occlusion by plaques that are vulnerable to rupture or from coronary spasm, embolization, or dissection of the coronary artery. It is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. We present a case report that describes a patient with hepatocellular carcinoma who underwent transarterial chemoembolization and died subsequently of acute myocardial infarction. To our knowledge, there has been no previous report of this complication induced by transarterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma. This case illustrates the need to be aware of acute myocardial infarction when transarterial chemoembolization is planned for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma, especially in patients with underlying coronary artery disease.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Arterial Occlusive Diseases / complications
  • Arterial Occlusive Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / complications
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / diagnosis
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / therapy*
  • Chemoembolization, Therapeutic / adverse effects*
  • Chemoembolization, Therapeutic / methods
  • Cholecystitis / complications
  • Coronary Disease / complications
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / complications
  • Doxorubicin / administration & dosage
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Hepatic Artery / diagnostic imaging
  • Hepatitis B, Chronic / complications
  • Humans
  • Iodized Oil / administration & dosage
  • Liver Neoplasms / complications
  • Liver Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Liver Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Myocardial Infarction / diagnosis
  • Myocardial Infarction / etiology*
  • Radiography

Substances

  • Iodized Oil
  • Doxorubicin