Symptomatic 5-fluorouracil-induced sinus bradycardia

Abstract

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is a commonly used anti-neoplastic agent. 5-FU has been not uncommonly associated with cardiotoxicity, although the many potentially causative mechanisms are yet to be established. Here, we present the case of a 61-year-old gemstone miner who developed symptomatic sinus bradycardia while receiving a continuous 5-FU infusion combined with radiotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer. This dysrhythmia is an unusual type of 5-FU toxicity, our case being the second described. We review the actions of 5-FU and the various proposed mechanisms of its cardiotoxic effects.