Acute chest pain syndrome during bleomycin infusions Journal Article


Authors: White, D. A.; Schwartzberg, L. S.; Kris, M. G.; Bosl, G. J.
Article Title: Acute chest pain syndrome during bleomycin infusions
Abstract: The authors describe 12 episodes of severe chest pain suggesting acute cardiac or pulmonary events which occurred during infusions of bleomycin. The incidence of the syndrome was low, occurring in 2.8% of those receiving the drug. Typically, the chest pain was sudden in onset and described either as substernal pressure or pleuritic in character. Few associated symptoms were noted. Evaluations for the etiology of the pain were unrevealing except for electrocardiographic changes suggestive of pericarditis in two cases and radiographic evidence of a small pleural effusion in one. The syndrome was self‐limited or relieved with analgesics. There were no long‐term cardiac or pulmonary sequelae. Discontinuation of bleomycin was not necessary although improvement was seen when the infusions were stopped. Further courses of bleomycin did not lead to recurrent episodes in most patients and are not contraindicated. Chest pain during continuous bleomycin infusion should suggest the possibility of a drug effect. Copyright © 1987 American Cancer Society
Keywords: adult; cancer chemotherapy; major clinical study; cisplatin; cyclophosphamide; vinblastine; time factors; dyspnea; thorax pain; cardiotoxicity; dactinomycin; erythema; bleomycin; vindesine; leukocyte count; drug therapy; infusions, intravenous; electrocardiogram; heart; adverse drug reaction; therapy; infusion; intravenous drug administration; pericarditis; intoxication; respiratory system; chest pain; human; male; female; priority journal
Journal Title: Cancer
Volume: 59
Issue: 9
ISSN: 0008-543X
Publisher: Wiley Blackwell  
Date Published: 1987-05-01
Start Page: 1582
End Page: 1585
Language: English
PUBMED: 2435402
PROVIDER: scopus
DOI/URL:
Notes: Article -- DOI does not resolve -- Export Date: 5 February 2021 -- Source: Scopus
Citation Impact
MSK Authors
  1. Dorothy A White
    74 White
  2. Mark Kris
    869 Kris
  3. George Bosl
    430 Bosl