Anthracyclines in a patient with acute leukemia and severe cardiomyopathy requiring mechanical support: A case report

2021 ◽  
pp. 107815522110621
Author(s):  
Rahul Banerjee ◽  
Mimi Lo ◽  
Liviu Klein ◽  
Mandar Aras ◽  
Aaron C. Logan

Introduction For young adult patients with acute leukemia, both the efficacy and cardiotoxicity of anthracycline-based regimens have been documented. We report the case of a patient with severe cardiomyopathy, mechanically supported by a left ventricular assist device (LVAD), who subsequently developed Philadelphia-chromosome positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph + ALL). To our knowledge, this is the first report of anthracycline administration in a patient with heart failure requiring mechanical support. Case report Our 27-year-old female patient was diagnosed with Ph + B-ALL as part of workup for leukocytosis. Past medical history included non-ischemic cardiomyopathy with a left ventricular ejection fraction of 30–35% and moderate-severe right ventricular dysfunction, for which LVAD had been placed 4 years previously. Management & outcome After shared decision-making and multidisciplinary discussions, we felt that hyperfractionated cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and dexamethasone alternating with cytarabine and high-dose methotrexate in addition to ponatinib (HyperCVAD-ponatinib) best balanced the patient's goals for aggressive treatment with the potential for rapid and durable remissions. The patient received a single reduced dose of doxorubicin alongside dexrazoxane with her first cycle of HyperCVAD-ponatinib. She attained a complete molecular response 22 days later and remains in remission (with stable cardiac function) 30 months later on maintenance therapy. Discussion In conclusion, LVAD placement is not an absolute contra-indication to anthracyclines if such therapies offer the best opportunity for a durable response.

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Bernd Ludwig ◽  
Johanna Schneider ◽  
Daniela Föll ◽  
Qian Zhou

Abstract Background Antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) in cardiac transplantation may manifest early within the first weeks after transplantation but also late after months to years following transplantation resulting in mild heart failure to cardiogenic shock. While patients with early cardiac AMR are less affected and seem to have survival rates comparable to transplant recipients without AMR, late cardiac AMR is frequently associated with graft dysfunction, fulminant forms of cardiac allograft vasculopathy, and a high mortality rate. Nevertheless, AMR of cardiac allografts remains difficult to diagnose and to treat. Case summary We report the case of a 47-year-old male patient with late AMR of the cardiac allograft 3 years after heart transplantation. Antibody-mediated rejection was confirmed by endomyocardial biopsy and the presence of donor-specific antibodies (DSA). The patient was treated with high dose of prednisolone, plasmapheresis, intravenous Gamma Globulin, rituximab, immunoadsorption, and bortezomib. Under this treatment regimen left ventricular ejection fraction and pro B-type natriuretic peptide recovered, and the patient improved to New York Heart Association Class I. Currently, 3 years after the diagnosis of cardiac AMR, graft function continues to be nearly normal, and there is no evidence for transplant vasculopathy. Discussion This case illustrates that AMR can occur at any time after transplantation. Although graft function fully recovered after treatment in our patient, the level of DSA remained high, suggesting that DSA may not be a reliable parameter to determine the intensity and duration of the therapy.


2020 ◽  
Vol 29 ◽  
pp. 096368972091268
Author(s):  
Yajun Xue ◽  
Boda Zhou ◽  
Jian Wu ◽  
Guobin Miao ◽  
Kun Li ◽  
...  

As the impairment of myocardial microenvironments due to coronary microembolization (CME) compromises the treatment effect of percutaneous coronary intervention and leads to adverse prognosis, we hypothesized that endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) transplantation could improve cardiac function in the condition of CME. Low- (2 × 105) and high- (2 × 106) dose rat bone marrow-derived EPCs were transplanted in a model of CME. To develop a CME model, rats were injected with autologous micro-blood-clots into the left ventricle. Echocardiograph was examined before and 1, 7, and 28 days after EPC transplantation; serum cardiac troponin I (cTNI), von Willebrand factor (vWF), and cardiac microRNA expression were examined one day after EPCs transplantation. Heart morphology and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), vWF, and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) expression were examined one day after EPC transplantation. After 10 days of culture inductions, BM-EPCs have high purity as confirmed by flow cytometry. Cardiac function reflected by left ventricular ejection fraction significantly decreased after CME treatment and rescued by low-dose EPC. Compared to the sham group, cTNI and vWF serum levels increased significantly after CME treatment and rescued by low-dose EPC and high-dose EPC. Low-dose EPC treatment decreased myocardial necrosis and fibrosis and elevated cardiac expression of VEGF and vWF, while decreasing the cardiac expression of bFGF. Low-dose EPC treatment significantly suppressed cardiac expression of microRNA-19a but significantly enhanced microRNA-21, microRNA-214, and microRNA-486-3p expression. In conclusion, our results indicate that low-dose EPC transplantation may play a proangiogenic, antifibroblast, antifibrosis, and antinecrosis role and enhance cardiac function in a rat model of CME through a microRNA-related pathway.


2007 ◽  
Vol 25 (18_suppl) ◽  
pp. 11090-11090
Author(s):  
S. Altintas ◽  
M. T. Huizing ◽  
I. Spoormans ◽  
J. Van den Brande ◽  
P. Wilmes ◽  
...  

11090 Background: NACT improves survival in LABC. The optimal regimen, dose and duration is still under study Objective: To determine the efficacy and safety of prolonged preoperative HD-AC plus G-CSF. Methods: LABC patients (pts) were treated with AC for 6 cycles (Cy): Cy 1: A 90 mg/m2, C 1000 mg/m2; Cy 2–3: A 82.5 mg/m2, C 875 mg/m2; Cy 4–6: A 75mg/m2, C 750 mg/m2) with prophylactic (peg)filgastrim q3wks. In case of cardiotoxicity or poor tumor response (TR) pts switched to Docetaxel (D) 100mg/m2 q3wks. Within 5 weeks after NACT, pts underwent mastectomy with axillary lymph node dissection followed by radiotherapy. In case of positive estrogen (ER) or progesteron receptor (PgR), hormonal treatment was given for 5 yrs. Toxicity was scored weekly (NCI-CTC 2), response every 3 wks (WHO). Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to calculate disease free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Results: Between 8/1997 and 10/2003 21 pts (median age 55 years, range 22–74) were enrolled. One pt had stage IIB, 6 stage IIIA, 14 stage IIIB disease (10 T4d). 10 tumors were ER+, 5 PgR+, none overexpressed Her-2/Neu. A total of 130 NACT Cy was given. 15 pts completed all 6 AC Cy, 6 switched to D because of a decrease in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF? >10%, n=2) or insufficient TR (n=4). Dose reduction of AC was needed in 1 pt (last Cy), dose delays in 4 pts. Nausea and vomiting were generally mild; grade 4 anorexia occured in one pt. Grade 4 leucopenia and neutropenia in 14 and 18 pts, respectively. Neutropenic fever requiring hospitalization occurred in 5 pts, thrombocytopenia grade 4 in 7 pts and grade 3 anemia in 3 pts. Two pts developed cardiomyopathy (9.5%) < 2 years after NACT. The overall TR rate (PR and CR) was 81%, clinical CR rate 14%, pathologic CR rate 10% and 14% had minimal residual disease. Three pts showed SD and only 1 pt had PD. The median follow up of all pts was 51 months (range 9–110), 5 yrs DFS 47%, OS 56%. 5 yrs DFS and OS for pT4d pts was 50% and 56%, respectively. Conclusions: NACT with HD-AC plus G-CSF for 6 Cy in this poor risk population is active and further supports the use of prolonged preoperative CT. The routine use of D after a restricted number of AC Cy may further improve results and decrease (cardio)toxicity. No significant financial relationships to disclose.


2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 2368 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. D. Utsumueva ◽  
N. Yu. Mironov ◽  
N. B. Shlevkov ◽  
V. G. Kiktev ◽  
E. M. Gupalo ◽  
...  

Patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) often have intraventricular conduction disorders, which contribute to aggravation of heart failure, are progressive in most cases and can specify the prognosis of the disease. Paroxysmal supraventricular arrhythmias in such patients proceed with severe clinical manifestations, often accompanied by hemodynamic instability and syncope. A case report of patient (59 years old) with DCM, reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (35-37%), left bundle branch block, and paroxysmal orthodromic reciprocating tachycardia is presented. When an electrode was inserted on the right ventricular (RV) apex during the radiofrequency ablation, a third-degree atrioventricular (AV) block was recorded. This was maintained during the operation and was recurrent when trying to remove the electrode from the RV apex, and therefore there was a need for temporary and then permanent cardiac pacing therapy. Given DCM, reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, left bundle branch block, and the expected high percentage of RV pacing, a decision was made to implant a cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator. The literature review considers risk factors for formation of third-degree AV block during cardiac catheterization, methods of its prevention, as well as discusses the prognostic significance of catheter-induced conduction disorders, and indications for temporary and permanent cardiac pacing therapy.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hideaki Kaneto ◽  
Shinji Kamei ◽  
Fuminori Tatsumi ◽  
Masashi Shimoda ◽  
Tomohiko Kimura ◽  
...  

IntroductionPheochromocytoma is a catecholamine-producing tumor in the adrenal medulla and is often accompanied by hypertension, hyperglycemia, hypermetabolism, headache, and hyperhidrosis, and it is classified as benign and malignant pheochromocytoma. In addition, persistent hypertension is often observed in subjects with malignant pheochromocytoma.Case PresentationA 52-year-old Japanese male was referred and hospitalized in our institution. He had a health check every year and no abnormalities had been pointed out. In addition, he had no past history of hypertension. In endocrinology markers, noradrenaline level was as high as 7,693 pg/ml, whereas adrenaline level was within normal range. Abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed a 50-mm hyper-vascularized tumor with calcification in the right adrenal gland and multiple hyper-vascularized tumors in the liver. In 131I MIBG scintigraphy, there was high accumulation in the right adrenal gland and multiple accumulation in the liver and bone. In echocardiography, left ventricular ejection fraction was as low as 14.3%. In coronary angiography, however, there was no significant stenosis in the coronary arteries. Based on these findings, we finally diagnosed him as malignant pheochromocytoma accompanied by multiple liver and bone metastases and catecholamine cardiomyopathy. However, blood pressure was continuously within normal range without any anti-hypertensive drugs. Right adrenal tumor resection was performed together with left hepatic lobectomy and cholecystectomy. Furthermore, serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and parathyroid (PTH)-related protein were very high before the operation but they were markedly reduced after the operation.ConclusionsThis is the first report showing the time course of serum VEGF level in a subject with malignant pheochromocytoma, clearly showing that malignant pheochromocytoma actually secreted VEGF. In addition, this case report clearly shows that we should bear in mind once again that malignant pheochromocytoma is not necessarily accompanied by hypertension.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Guligena Sawuer ◽  
Xue-Kuan Ma ◽  
Ya-Jie Zhang ◽  
Xuan-Ming Zhang ◽  
Zulihumaer Ainiwaer ◽  
...  

Background. Tianxiangdan (TXD) is used in traditional Chinese medicine because of its therapeutic and preventive effects in the treatment of coronary heart disease. However, the underlying mechanism of TXD in coronary microvascular disease (CMD) remains unclear. Methods. A rat model of CMD was developed to study the mechanism of TXD activity. Sodium laurate was injected into the left ventricle of Sprague–Dawley rats to induce CMD. The rats were divided into six groups: a sham-operated (sham) group, an untreated CMD group, a low-dose TXD group (0.81 g·kg−1·d−1), a mid-dose TXD (TXD-M) group (1.62 g·kg−1·d−1), a high-dose TXD (TXD-H) group (3.24 g·kg−1·d−1), and a nicorandil (NCR) group (1.35 mg·kg−1·d−1). The effect of TXD on rats with CMD was observed after four weeks, and the mechanism of TXD in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cardiac microvascular endothelial cells (CMECs) was explored through treatment with 50 μg/mL TXD. Results. Compared with the rats in the untreated CMD group, rats in the TXD-M and TXD-H groups showed higher left ventricular ejection fraction values, improved pathological structures, decreased expressions of interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), phosphorylated nuclear factor-κB inhibitor α (IκBα) and phosphorylated p65, and increased expressions of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 ( P < 0.05 ). These effects were more pronounced in the TXD-H group than in the TXD-M group. In vitro experiments showed that TXD treatment increased the viability of LPS-induced CMECs and decreased the expression of IL-1β, TNF-α, phosphorylated IκBα, and phosphorylated p65 ( P < 0.05 ). However, the effects of TXD on CMECs were markedly reversed upon treatment with ML385 (Nrf2 inhibitor). Conclusion. The results showed that TXD exerts a protective effect on rats with CMD and related inflammatory injuries, and its anti-inflammatory mechanism is related to the activation of Nrf2 signalling.


2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayaka Ishihara ◽  
Shuji Hatakeyama ◽  
Jun Suzuki ◽  
Yusuke Amano ◽  
Teppei Sasahara ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin plays an important role in the treatment of patients with severe refractory human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated Kaposi sarcoma (KS). High cumulative doses of conventional doxorubicin exceeding 500 mg/m2 are known to cause cardiac toxicity. However, the safe cumulative dose of pegylated liposomal doxorubicin is unclear. Case presentation A 40-year-old Japanese man with HIV infection presented with pain, edema, and multiple skin nodules on both legs which worsened over several months. He was diagnosed with HIV-associated KS. He received long-term pegylated liposomal doxorubicin combined with antiretroviral therapy for advanced, progressive KS. The cumulative dose of pegylated liposomal doxorubicin reached 980 mg/m2. The patient’s left ventricular ejection fraction remained unchanged from baseline during treatment. After he died as a result of cachexia and wasting, caused by recurrent sepsis and advanced KS, an autopsy specimen of his heart revealed little or no evidence of histological cardiac damage. We also conducted a literature review focusing on histological changes of the myocardium in patients treated with a cumulative dose of pegylated liposomal doxorubicin exceeding 500 mg/m2. Conclusions This case report and literature review suggest that high (> 500 mg/m2) cumulative doses of pegylated liposomal doxorubicin may be used without significant histological/clinical cardiac toxicity in patients with HIV-associated KS.


F1000Research ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 1006
Author(s):  
Attila Frigy ◽  
Zoltán Fogarasi ◽  
Ildikó Kocsis ◽  
Lehel Máthé ◽  
Előd Nagy

Abstract: In a cohort of patients hospitalized with acute heart failure (AHF) the prevalence of anemia and the existence of a correlation between anemia and the severity of the clinical picture were assessed. Methods: 50 consecutive patients (34 men, 16 women, mean age 67.5 years) hospitalized with AHF were enrolled.  Statistical analysis was performed for studying correlations between anemia and the presence/levels of diverse parameters (clinical, laboratory, echocardiographic, treatment related)  reflecting the severity and prognosis of AHF (α=0.05). Results: 21 patients (14 men, 7 women, mean age 69.6 years), representing 42%, had anemia  at admission. Comparing patients with and without anemia there were no significant differences regarding age,  gender,  presence of atrial fibrillation (p=0.75), diabetes (p=1), ischemic heart disease (p=0.9), left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) (p=1), hypotension (p=0.34) and tachycardia>100 b/min at admission (p=0.75), level of eGFR (p=0.72), and need of high dose (>80 mg/day)  loop diuretic (p=0.23). However, EF showed a significant positive correlation with eGFR only in AHF patients with anemia (r=0,65, p=0.001). In a multiple regression model, EF had a significant effect on the eGFR quartiles (p=0,004). Conclusions: Anemia is a frequent finding in patients hospitalized with AHF. The presence of anemia was not correlated with other factors related to AHF severity and prognosis. However, a low EF associated with low eGFR was characteristic for patients with anemia, suggesting that the decrease of renal perfusion by low cardiac output further aggravates anemia on the background of chronic kidney disease.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan D Cicci ◽  
Sarah M Jagielski ◽  
Megan M Clarke ◽  
Robert A Rayson ◽  
Matthew A Cavender

Abstract Background Loperamide is a widely available oral μ-opioid receptor agonist, and loperamide abuse is increasing by those seeking intoxication. Loperamide has potent QTc-prolonging properties, placing patients at risk for ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. Case summary A 23-year-old woman was found to be in pulseless ventricular fibrillation with a QTc of 554 ms and received multiple defibrillations and IV lidocaine. Her toxicology studies were negative. She subsequently experienced multiple episodes of torsades de pointes and was found to be in cardiogenic shock with a left ventricular ejection fraction of 5%. Following multiple defibrillations, an Impella® mechanical circulatory support device was placed, and she was given IV magnesium and IV lidocaine. After mechanical circulatory support was withdrawn, she experienced major bleeding and was found to have a deep vein thrombosis, bilateral radial artery thrombosis, and multiple pulmonary embolisms in the setting of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. After stabilizing, she admitted to taking 80 tablets of loperamide 2 mg in pursuit of euphoria. Discussion Loperamide is an increasingly popular agent of abuse. Loperamide-associated ventricular arrhythmias are rare with normal doses but more common with high doses, chronic ingestion, or interacting medications. Loperamide cardiotoxicity may be prolonged due to a long half-life and accumulation. Loperamide abuse may be under-recognized, leading to delays in treatment. Intravenous fluids, magnesium supplementation, chronotropes, transcutaneous or transvenous pacing, and defibrillation may be helpful in mitigating loperamide-associated polymorphic ventricular tachycardia. Clinicians should monitor for drug interactions in patients taking loperamide and screen for electrocardiographic abnormalities in those taking chronic or high-dose loperamide.


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