ISSN:
1569-8041
Keywords:
cardiac toxicity
;
gemcitabine
;
paroxysmal atrial fibrillation
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract Background:Gemcitabine is an antimetabolic drug for solid tumors.Altough its pharmacokinetics as well as its side-effects are well known,paroxysmal atrial fibrillation associated to the administration of this drughas not yet been described. Patients and methods:We describe the case of a 78-year-old manwith pancreatic adenocarcinoma who presented repeated paroxysmal atrialfibrillation episodes 18–24 hours after every gemcitabine infusion whichresolved with antiarrhythmic drugs. This clinical history was positive for aremote brief episode of atrial fibrillation, which resolved spontaneously, andthe patient had no predisposing factors for supraventricular arrhythmias(systemic hypertension, diabetes or coronary artery disease). Results:Cardiac work-up revealed only a mild mitral-valveprolapse and complete right bundle branch block. During the arrhythmiaepisodes no other precipitating factors were reported. The close temporalrelationship of the arrhythmia to drug administration and the recurrence ofarrhythmia upon rechallenge allowed to hypothesize an intrinsic pro-arrhythmiceffect of gemcitabine or its metabolite2′,2′-difluorodeoxyuridine. Conclusions:The occurrence of atrial fibrillation during theadministration of gemcitabine may be considered as a cardiac arrhythmiadrug-related toxicity. This side-effect of gemcitabine infusion is apreviously unreported sign of drug toxicity; therefore, a high level ofawareness to this problem is warranted when this drug is administered.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1008380208045
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