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Review
. 2019 Sep 6:5:13.
doi: 10.1186/s40959-019-0048-3. eCollection 2019.

5-FU induced cardiotoxicity: case series and review of the literature

Cai Yuan  1 , Hiral Parekh  1 , Carmen Allegra  1 , Thomas J George  1 , Jason S Starr  2
Affiliations
Review

5-FU induced cardiotoxicity: case series and review of the literature

Cai Yuan et al. Cardiooncology. .

Abstract

Background: 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is an antimetabolite chemotherapy used for a variety of solid tumors. It has the potential to cause a wide spectrum of cardiotoxicity, ranging from asymptomatic electrocardiographic changes to cardiomyopathy and subsequent cardiac failure. Main body of the abstract: We present two descriptive cases of new-onset severe cardiomyopathy induced by 5-FU followed by a review of the literature.

Conclusion: Our case series emphasizes the importance of early recognition of this rare complication and prompt cessation of 5-FU, as cardiac dysfunction in this context is potentially reversible.

Keywords: 5-FU; 5-fluorouracil; Antimetabolite; Cancer; Cancer complications; Cardiotoxicity; Colorectal cancer; Fluoropyrimidine; Toxicity.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing interestsThe authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
a 12 lead ECG from Case 1 showing hyperacute T waves (arrows) with no ST elevation or depression. b: 12 lead ECG from case 2 showing sinus tachycardia and a new left bundle branch block (arrows)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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