Doxorubicin-induced second degree and complete atrioventricular block

Europace. 2005 May;7(3):227-30. doi: 10.1016/j.eupc.2004.12.012.

Abstract

Doxorubicin is one of the most effective chemotherapeutic agents used in the treatment of malignancies. Cardiotoxicity is the most important dose-limiting toxicity of doxorubicin. Although cardiomyopathy is the most well known side effect of doxorubicin, it usually occurs many years after the treatment and relates to cumulative doxorubicin dosage. Another form of doxorubicin cardiotoxicity is arrhythmia which may occur at any time and after any dosage. However, doxorubicin-induced arrhythmia is rarely a life-threatening side effect. In this report, we present a case in which there were doxorubicin-induced life-threatening arrhythmias.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antibiotics, Antineoplastic / adverse effects*
  • Antibiotics, Antineoplastic / therapeutic use
  • Doxorubicin / adverse effects*
  • Doxorubicin / therapeutic use
  • Duodenal Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Female
  • Heart Block / chemically induced*
  • Humans
  • Leiomyosarcoma / drug therapy

Substances

  • Antibiotics, Antineoplastic
  • Doxorubicin