Concurrent Onset of Osimertinib-Induced Heart Failure and Metronidazole-Induced Encephalopathy During Brain Abscess Treatment: A Report of a Rare Case
2024

Rare Case of Heart Failure and Encephalopathy from Cancer Treatment

Sample size: 1 publication Evidence: low

Author Information

Author(s): Muacevic Alexander, Adler John R, Mikami Emi, Hashimoto Kosuke, Kaira Kyoichi, Mouri Atsuto, Miura Yu, Shiono Ayako, Yamaguchi Ou, Imai Hisao, Kagamu Hiroshi

Primary Institution: Saitama Medical University International Medical Center

Hypothesis

The combination of osimertinib and metronidazole in a patient with significant weight loss may increase the risk of adverse drug reactions.

Conclusion

The patient's significant weight loss likely increased blood concentrations of osimertinib and metronidazole, contributing to heart failure and encephalopathy.

Supporting Evidence

  • The patient experienced significant weight loss during treatment, which may have increased drug toxicity.
  • Osimertinib is known to cause heart failure in some patients.
  • Metronidazole can lead to encephalopathy, especially in patients with altered pharmacokinetics.

Takeaway

A 78-year-old woman taking cancer drugs had serious side effects because she lost a lot of weight, which made the drugs stronger in her body.

Methodology

Case report detailing the patient's treatment and subsequent adverse effects.

Potential Biases

Potential bias in reporting due to the nature of a single case study.

Limitations

Only one case is reported, limiting generalizability.

Participant Demographics

78-year-old female with lung adenocarcinoma.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.7759/cureus.75079

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