Work

A Rare Case of Gemcitabine-Induced Pulmonary Hypertension

Year: 2019

Type: article

Abstract: CONTEXT: Gemcitabine is the backbone of systemic treatment of locally advanced and metastatic intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. In recent literature, gemcitabine has been linked to various pulmonary side effects. CASE REPORT: We report a case of an 82-year-old male who developed acute pulmonary hypertension after receiving one cycle of gemcitabine for metastatic cholangiocarcinoma. His symptoms began with fatigue associated with shortness of breath and cough that worsened despite dose reduction. He developed new onset bilateral pulmonary effusions and an echocardiogram revealed findings consistent with pulmonary hypertension. A computed tomography (CT) angiogram was negative for pulmonary thromboembolism. Although he was promptly treated with diuretics and steroids, the patient could not tolerate any further therapy. CONCLUSION: Gemcitabine-induced pulmonary hypertension is rare and can be challenging to diagnose, as it remains a diagnosis of exclusion. However, physicians should be vigilant of new pulmonary symptoms, as delayed treatment can cause significant patient morbidity and mortality.

Source: Pulmonary Research and Respiratory Medicine - Open Journal

DOI: 10.17140/prrmoj-5-139

Authors: Janice Shen, Su Yun Chung, Elham Azimi-Nekoo, Jyothi Jose, Muhammad W. Saif

Institutions: Northwell Health, Hofstra University, Donald & Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell

Language: English

Topic: Pulmonary Hypertension Research and Treatments

Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences