Cyclophosphamide-induced cardiotoxicity with a prolonged clinical course diagnosed on an endomyocardial biopsy

Intern Med. 2013;52(20):2311-5. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.52.0347.

Abstract

A 31-year-old woman with primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma refractory to conventional chemotherapy was treated with high-dose chemotherapy containing cyclophosphamide (CY). Subsequently, she was treated with auto peripheral blood stem cell transplantation. Although a complete remission was obtained, heart failure developed two months later. Echocardiography showed an impaired systolic function with pericardial effusion. A biopsy of the endomyocardial region from the left ventricle demonstrated spotty myocardial hemorrhage and myocardial fibrosis with disruption and aggregation of mitochondrial cristae. Based on these findings, CY-induced cardiotoxicity was diagnosed. The patient was treated with conventional therapy for heart failure, which required approximately one year to improve her condition.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating / adverse effects*
  • Biopsy
  • Cardiotoxins / adverse effects*
  • Cyclophosphamide / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Heart Failure / chemically induced*
  • Heart Failure / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Myocardium / pathology*
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating
  • Cardiotoxins
  • Cyclophosphamide