Adriamycin cardiomyopathy. Fatal outcome of general anaesthesia in a child with adriamycin cardiomyopathy.

The death under general anaesthesia of a child with Adriamycin cardiomyopathy is reported. The acute, subacute and chronic cardiotoxic effects of Adriamycin are discussed and the risk factors for chronic Adriamycin cardiomyopathy presented, with particular reference to cumulative dosage of Adriamycin. The insidious onset of impairment of cardiac function is stressed and suggestions for anaesthetic management outlined.