Reversible doxorubicin-induced congestive heart failure

Arch Intern Med. 1982 Aug;142(8):1570-1.

Abstract

Doxorubicin hydrochloride is a chemotherapeutic agent highly effective against a wide range of neoplasms. A prime limiting factor to the administration of this drug is cardiotoxicity, which frequently develops when the cumulative dose exceeds 500 mg/sq m. Late cardiomyopathy, which may develop up to a year after therapy has been discontinued, was thought to be rapidly progressive and unresponsive to standard cardiac therapy. An adult who received 475 mg/sq m of doxorubicin hydrochloride experienced a cardiotoxic reaction one year after the completion of therapy. The patient responded to standard cardiac therapy. Resolution of left ventricular dysfunction was verified by echocardiography and radionuclide angiocardiography.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Doxorubicin / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Heart Failure / chemically induced*
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged

Substances

  • Doxorubicin