Severe gemcitabine-induced capillary-leak syndrome mimicking cardiac failure in a patient with advanced pancreatic cancer and high-risk cardiovascular disease

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is the fourth most common cause of cancer-related mortality in the developed world. The nucleoside analogue gemcitabine is established standard therapy for advanced disease. Gemcitabine can occasionally cause non-dose-dependent pulmonary toxicity, and the systemic complication of capillary-leak syndrome, which may mimic cardiogenic pulmonary oedema. Here, we present a case of capillary-leak syndrome in a patient with pancreatic cancer treated with gemcitabine, with a past history of severe cardiovascular dysfunction and coronary arteriosclerosis. (C) 2004 The Royal College of Radiologists. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.