A Rare Cause and Management of Ventricular Fibrillation: 5-Fluorouracil Toxicity

Introduction

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is a pyrimidine antimetabolite used to treat solid tumors. 5-FU can cause several cardiovascular side effects with a frequency of 1.2-18%., Among these side effects, angina and myocardial infarction are common. Other rare side effects have also been reported, including myocarditis, pericarditis, arrhythmias including atrial fibrillation, QT prolongation, heart failure, and death. These conditions have been directly associated with vasospasm due to endothelial dysfunction.,

This case report details the diagnosis and management of 5-FU cardiotoxicity upon the development of VF in a patient treated with 5-FU.

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