Myocardial ischemia in a patient with acute lymphoblastic leukemia during L-asparaginase therapy

Eur J Haematol. 2004 Jan;72(1):71-2. doi: 10.1046/j.0902-4441.2004.00173.x.

Abstract

Haemostatic abnormalities may occur in 1-2% of patients treated with L-asparaginase. Here, we present the second case of a myocardial infarction, developing in a patient with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), in the course of L-asparaginase treatment. In our patient and in the only one reported case from the literature, a recent exposure to vincristine and daunorubicin was also reported, but induction chemotherapy program was completed as scheduled, with the only withdrawal of L-asparaginase. Myocardial infarction should be included in the list of thrombotic complications possibly associated with L-asparaginase treatment, or with a combination of L-asparaginase and vinca alkaloids/anthracycline.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use*
  • Asparagine / administration & dosage
  • Asparagine / adverse effects*
  • Daunorubicin / administration & dosage
  • Echocardiography
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Myocardial Ischemia / chemically induced*
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / drug therapy*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vincristine / administration & dosage

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Vincristine
  • Asparagine
  • Daunorubicin