Multiple cardiac complications after adjuvant therapy for breast cancer: the importance of echocardiography. A case report and review of the literature.
Cardiovascular complications induced by adjuvant cancer therapies may become symptomatic after many years, being responsible for increased morbidity and mortality in long-term survivors. We report a case of a 54-year old female admitted for severe heart failure induced by myocardial and valvular damage after postoperative adjuvant therapy for left breast cancer 6 years ago. Her recent history revealed nonST elevation myocardial infarction in the absence of significant cardiovascular risk factors. Transthoracic echocardiography, tissue Doppler imaging and speckle-tracking imaging revealed severe biventricular systolic dysfunction, severe mitral and tricuspid regurgitation and severe pulmonary hypertension.
Department of Cardiology, Coltea Clinical Hospital, "Carol Davila" Universtity of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania. adrianagurghean@yahoo.com.
Adriana Luminita
AL
Gurghean
Department of Cardiology, Coltea Clinical Hospital, "Carol Davila" Universtity of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania.
Ilinca
I
Savulescu-Fiedler
Department of Cardiology, Coltea Clinical Hospital, "Carol Davila" Universtity of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania.
Anca
A
Mihailescu
D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant / Q000009:adverse effects; D004452:Echocardiography; D005260:Female; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D006976:Hypertension, Pulmonary / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D008944:Mitral Valve Insufficiency / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D018714:Radiotherapy, Adjuvant / Q000009:adverse effects