Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to A W Pippas.
As a result of increased accuracy of staging and decreased patient morbidity, lymphatic mapping and sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy for breast cancer has enjoyed a rapid acceptance into clinical practice. Despite the use of lymphatic mapping techniques to obtain nodal staging information, many controversies remain. We have attempted to highlight the major controversies in this report.
BACKGROUND: A case of reversible cardiogenic shock linked to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) was observed. Recognizing the increasing use of 5-FU, the authors tried to map this syndrome. METHODS: They reviewed 134 additional case reports, retrieved information from literature searches, focused on clinical features, and discussed possible pathophysiologic findings and prevention of this syndrome. RESULTS: Although angina and electrocardiographic changes were common and reproducible (approximately 90% each), coronary artery disease was found in a few patients. A total of 33 patients had severe left ventricular dysfunction, 28 without evidence of myocardial infarction. The symptoms were responsive to conservative management (90%). CONCLUSIONS: Cardiac toxicity is a little known complication of 5-FU therapy, with an unknown but significant incidence. It is highly treatable.