Abstract B042: Chemotherapy in a patient with the malignant inter-arterial course of the right coronary artery A choice between cancer or the heart?
Authors: Khan Aliya M. 
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Congenital coronary artery anomalies can increase the risk of sudden cardiac death, especially during exercise. Cancer patients with concurrent coronary artery disease face higher mortality rates due to delayed percutaneous coronary intervention. Furthermore, anthracycline chemotherapy, a common cancer treatment, can worsen pre-existing cardiac abnormalities. Despite the complexity of managing cancer patients with coronary artery anomalies, there is a lack of clear guidelines. This report presents a case of malignant interarterial course of the right coronary artery in a patient with Human T-lymphotropic virus type I-associated adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma and discusses the challenges of chemotherapy in such cases. Case presentation: A 38-year-old male presented with weakness and palpitations. Laboratory findings revealed abnormalities, including elevated troponin and severe narrowing of the right coronary artery. Electrocardiograms showed ST elevations initially, followed by T-wave inversions. Although the patient had a pre-existing coronary anomaly, chemotherapy was initiated due to life-threatening tumor lysis syndrome and refractory lactic acidosis. Cardiac catheterization or surgical intervention was not possible due to comorbidities. A follow-up echocardiogram after six months of chemotherapy showed no acute changes. Discussion: Managing cancer patients with congenital coronary artery anomalies is challenging. Malignant interarterial course of the right coronary artery is particularly concerning due to the risk of sudden cardiac death. In this case, the patient's symptoms and abnormal electrocardiogram led to the identification of the coronary anomaly. However, immediate intervention was not feasible due to the patient's critical condition. The initiation of anthracycline-based chemotherapy in this patient posed a dilemma. Anthracyclines can cause cardiotoxicity, worsening pre-existing cardiac anomalies. Despite the lack of guidelines, chemotherapy was administered due to the urgent need for cancer treatment. Regular monitoring was essential to detect any cardiac changes. Conclusion: Managing cancer patients with coronary artery anomalies and administering anthracycline chemotherapy remains challenging due to limited guidelines. The case highlights the importance of recognizing and managing these anomalies to reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death. Guidelines for managing cardiac complications in cancer patients with pre-existing anomalies are needed. Further research is necessary to provide evidence-based guidance for such cases.

Citation Format: Aliya M. Khan. Chemotherapy in a patient with the malignant inter-arterial course of the right coronary artery A choice between cancer or the heart? [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 16th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2023 Sep 29-Oct 2;Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023;32(12 Suppl):Abstract nr B042.