title: Enteritis as a complication of adjuvant combination chemotherapy using 5-fluorouracil and leukovorin: clinical and helical computed tomographic features.
abstract: The combination of 5-flourouracil (5-FU) and leukovorin is widely used as adjuvant chemotherapy for metastatic colorectal carcinoma. The most common clinical side effects of 5-FU are related to its gastrointestinal toxicity, chiefly stomatitis and diarrhea. The latter may be severe in up to 30% and occasionally is life-threatening. We describe a case of therapy-induced enteritis presenting as acute abdominal pain and present the computed tomographic (CT) findings. In light of the prevalence of this regimen, the potential morbidity of this complication, and a paucity of CT examples in the radiologic literature, this case illustrates an important adverse effect of this medication. Early recognition and treatment should avoid significant morbidity and mortality.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, USA.
authors.forename: Ramin
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Zamani
authors.forename: Maureen
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Heldmann
mesh_terms: D015746:Abdominal Pain / Q000209:etiology; D000964:Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; D003110:Colonic Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D004751:Enteritis / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005260:Female; D005472:Fluorouracil / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D002955:Leucovorin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D036542:Tomography, Spiral Computed
chemical_list: D000964:Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic; D002955:Leucovorin; D005472:Fluorouracil