Is 5-fluorouracil-induced vasospasm a Kounis syndrome? A diagnostic challenge

Karabay C., Gecmen C., Aung S., Guler A., Candan Ö., Batgerel U., ...More

Perfusion, vol.26, no.6, pp.542-545, 2011 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 26 Issue: 6
  • Publication Date: 2011
  • Doi Number: 10.1177/0267659111410347
  • Journal Name: Perfusion
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.542-545
  • Keywords: 5-fluorouracil, antihistamine agents, cardiotoxicity, Kounis syndrome, vasospasm
  • Uşak University Affiliated: No

Abstract

Cardiovascular hypersensitivity is a rare and well-documented side-effect of 5-FU (5-fluorouracil). Besides the common complications such as angina pectoris and myocardial infarction, it can also cause cardiogenic shock, and supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias. Studies have reported that FU-induced angina most commonly occurred due to vasospasm. In our case, 9 hours after stopping the infusion of 5-FU, the patients developed symptoms and electrocardiographic (ECG) findings consistent with acute myocardial infarction. We intend to share this rare case and discuss whether this late complication after 5-FU infusion is an FU-induced vasospasm or rather an allergic reaction leading to Kounis syndrome. © 2011 SAGE Publications.