Atrial Fibrillation Induced by Gemcitabine Treatment in a 65-Year-Old Man

Abstract

Gemcitabine, a pyrimidine analogue, is a cell cycle-specific antineoplastic agent that is structurally related to cytarabine. Major side effects of the treatment with gemcitabine are hepatic dysfunction, myelosuppression, renal impairment and pulmonary toxicity. Development of atrial fibrillation (AF) during gemcitabine treatment is very rare and was reported in only 2 case reports in the literature. Case Report: We report the case of a 65-year-old man who developed AF under gemcitabine therapy for non-small cell lung cancer (stage IIIB). In this patient, AF was intrinsically associated with chemotherapy administration which triggered arrhythmia. Conclusion: Although AF caused by gemcitabine appears to be rare, patients at risk of developing atrial fibrillation should be closely monitored for this complication.

Gemcitabine-Induced Supraventricular Tachycardia

“…Gemcitabine-induced supraventricular tachyarrhythmias are extremely rare. The only type reported is atrial fibrillation, which occurred mostly in patients who had serious underlying heart disease [12][13][14] . We present a case of a new SVT in a patient with metastatic breast cancer who had no significant prior cardiac disease, infection, metabolic disturbances or pulmonary emboli.…”

Gemcitabine -Induced Coronary Vasospasm: A Case Report

“…Most frequently reported cardiovascular side effects of gemcitabine are associated with vasospasm and coronary ischemia, although in a few cases, it has been reported to trigger atrial fibrillation. [6]…”