Paclitaxel-induced cardiotoxicity. An ultrastructural study.

The ultrastructural appearance of the myocardium in a fatal case of paclitaxel-induced cardiotoxicity is reported, which includes swelling of the sarcoplasmic reticulum, loss of myofibrils, and accumulation of lipofuscin as well as laminated myelinoid figures. Such changes are very similar to those seen in anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity and may suggest a pathogenetic final common pathway. While endomyocardial biopsy is a recognized means of monitoring anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity, whether more liberal use of endomyocardial biopsy can prevent fatal cases of paclitaxel-induced cardiotoxicity needs to be further assessed.