A Case of 5-Fluorouracil-Induced Coronary Artery Vasospasm in a Patient With Salivary Gland Cancer

Abstract

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU), a pyrimidine analogue, is widely used in different chemotherapy regimens with established indications for the treatment of gastrointestinal, breast, head, and neck tumors. Various prospective studies including randomized controlled trials and retrospective reviews have shown a wide range of reported incidence of cardiotoxicity related to 5-FU use. This incidence is dependent on drug regimen, doses, concomitant therapy, patients' clinical characteristics, and risk factors. Herein, we present a clinical case of coronary vasospasm mimicking ST-elevation myocardial infarction during a 5-FU infusion for salivary gland cancer. Cardiologists and oncologists must keep in mind the potential life-threatening side effects of 5-FU on the heart and they must be familiar with the risk factors for their occurrence and their management strategies.