Angina induced by 5-fluorouracil infusion in a patient with normal coronaries

Am Heart Hosp J. 2010 Winter;8(2):E111-2. doi: 10.15420/ahhj.2010.8.2.111.

Abstract

This article reviews the occurrence of angina in patients treated with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) without significant coronary artery disease. We present a case followed by a review of the literature. A 43-year-old man with a history of colon cancer developed typical angina during intravenous infusion of 5-FU. His electrocardiogram (ECG) showed tall T waves during his angina episode. His angina and ECG changes reoccurred during a second 5-FU infusion. His coronary angiography was normal. This case is consistent with a rare occurrence of 5-FU-induced angina despite normal coronaries. Physician should be aware of this important side effect of 5-FU infusion.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Angina Pectoris / chemically induced*
  • Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic / administration & dosage
  • Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic / adverse effects*
  • Colonic Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Coronary Angiography
  • Coronary Circulation
  • Electrocardiography
  • Fluorouracil / administration & dosage
  • Fluorouracil / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Infusions, Intravenous
  • Male

Substances

  • Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic
  • Fluorouracil