[Acute lymphoblastic leukemia with invasive fungal infection causing complete atrioventricular block]

Rinsho Ketsueki. 2003 Oct;44(10):1032-5.
[Article in Japanese]

Abstract

A 62-year-old female was diagnosed as having acute lymphocytic leukemia in October 2001. She achieved complete remission after induction therapy with L-asparaginase, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisolone. However, an invasive fungal infection developed in the lung, followed by a sudden complete atrioventricular block. Her heart rate was brought back to normal by the administration of isoproterenol. In spite of anti-fungal therapies, the patient finally succumbed to pneumonia in January 2002. Autopsy revealed an invasion of fungi into the lung, mitral valves and atrioventricular node. We need to pay attention to such a cardiac complication when an immunocompromised host suffers from an invasive fungal infection.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Heart Block / etiology*
  • Heart Valve Diseases / etiology
  • Humans
  • Lung Diseases, Fungal / etiology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Mitral Valve
  • Mycoses / etiology*
  • Myocarditis / etiology*
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / complications*
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / drug therapy