J Breast Cancer.  2010 Jun;13(2):231-235. 10.4048/jbc.2010.13.2.231.

Docetaxel-induced Severe Fluid Retention in a Breast Cancer Patient: A Case Report

• Jeon YS
• Kang SH
• Lee SJ

• KMID: 2286551
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4048/jbc.2010.13.2.231

Abstract

Among many adverse effects of docetaxel, fluid retention is a well recognized, cumulative side effect, but severe fluid retention is rare. We report here on a case of docetaxel-induced severe fluid retention with peripheral edema, pleural effusion, severe ascites and pericardial effusion in a 41-year-old woman. She had been treated with 3 cycles of docetaxel 9 days previously and she was admitted to our hospital due to abdominal distention and mild dyspnea. Radiologic studies revealed pleural effusion, severe ascites and a small pericardial effusion. Diuretics were given for 21 days. The pleural effusion was resolved after treatment with diuretics for 2 days, but the ascites wasn't resolved until 14 days of diuretics. After treatment with diuretics for 21 days, all the symptoms of the patient were completely resolved. Early detection is mandatory and diuretics are very effective for patient suffering with docetaxel-induced severe fluid retention.

Keyword

Adverse effects; Breast neoplasms; Docetaxel; Fluid shifts

MeSH Terms

Adult
Ascites
Breast
Breast Neoplasms
Diuretics
Dyspnea
Edema
Female
Fluid Shifts
Humans
Pericardial Effusion
Pleural Effusion
Retention (Psychology)
Stress, Psychological
Taxoids
Diuretics
Taxoids

Figure

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  Figure 1 Large amount of ascites in the lower and upper abdomen are demonstrated on abdominal computerized tomography scan (A, B). After medication of diuretics for 21 days, previous noted ascites are not visible (C).

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  Figure 2 A posteroanterior chest radiograph shows pleural effusion with blunting on costophrenic angle at both sides (A). After treatment of diuretics for 2 days, decreased amount of pleural effusion are noted at both sides (B).

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  Figure 3 Small amount of pericardial effusion is demonstrated at pericardial space of right atrium (thick arrow) and right ventricle (thin arrow) on echocardiogram (A). On following echocardiogram after treatment of diuretics for 9 days, amount of pericardial effusion in the right atrium is decreased and pericardial effusion in the right ventricle is not demonstrated (B).

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