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Reversibility of Severe Left Ventricular Dysfunction Due to Doxorubicin Cardiotoxicity
Report of Three Cases
Abstract
Doxorubicin is a potent anticancer agent effective in a wide range of malignancies, but its use is limited by dose-dependent late cardiotoxicity. Severe doxorubicin cardiotoxicity has been associated with a poor prognosis and a high mortality rate, and until recently has been thought to be irreversible. We describe the cases of three patients with well-documented severe left ventricular dysfunction due to doxorubicin who had complete clinical recovery with return of cardiac function to normal. Because severe doxorubicin cardiotoxicity is reversible in some patients, aggressive supportive therapy is warranted.
Article and Author Information
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▸From the Divisions of Cardiology and Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Jewish Hospital at Washington University Medical Center; St. Louis, Missouri.
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Grant support: Dr. Lyss is the recipient of a Junior Faculty Clinical Fellowship (JFCF #722) from the American Cancer Society.
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▸Requests for reprints should be addressed to Michael W. Rich, M.D.; Division of Cardiology, Jewish Hospital at Washington University Medical Center, 216 South Kingshighway; St. Louis, MO 63110.
- © 1987 American College of Physicians
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