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25 - Cardiovascular complications

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 November 2013

Joseph H. Antin
Affiliation:
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston
Deborah Yolin Raley
Affiliation:
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston
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Summary

Myopericarditis

Cyclophosphamidecardiotoxicity is idiosyncratic and independent of baseline cardiacfunction. When used in high doses, cyclophosphamide can inducemyopericarditis that can be associated with pericardial tamponade orpulseless electrical activity (PEA) arrest and death. Milder forms may leadto congestive heart failure, requiring appropriate therapy. More common isthe development of myocardial edema that can result in reduction inelectrocardiogram (ECG) voltage but no functional consequences.

Clinical manifestations

  • Shortness of breath, chest discomfort (often pleuritic and improved with sitting up), cough, fever, tachycardia.

  • Diagnosis

  • Pericardial rub, ST segment elevation, PR depression.

  • Echocardiogram may show fluid; with impending tamponade, may also have diastolic indentation or collapse of the right ventricle. Aspiration under l uoroscopic guidance may be required for presumed infectious or malignant etiologies.

  • Treatment

  • If manifestations are mild, supportive care is usually adequate.

  • Nonsteroidal anti-inl ammatory drugs (NSAIDS) are not used in patients with thrombocytopenia. Colchicine may be helpful in some patients.

  • If cyclophosphamide is the presumed etiology, there is no specific therapy.

  • If the underlying problem is infectious or malignant it is treated specifically.

  • Pericardiocentesis or a pericardial window if tamponade develops.

  • Type
    Chapter
    Information
    Publisher: Cambridge University Press
    Print publication year: 2013

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