Rutger W. Van Der Meer MD, PhD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Peter Paul Willemse MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Susanne Osanto MD, PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Koos Burggraaf PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Albert De Roos MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Hildo J. Lamb PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Cardiovascular morbidity is a well known late complication of chemotherapy in patients treated for testicular cancer. In addition, a combination of overweight, hypertension and abnormal lipid profiles has been observed in these patients suggesting an increased risk for the development of the metabolic syndrome and diabetes mellitus. The early effects of chemotherapy on myocardial function and metabolic profile are largely unknown. The purpose of this study was to assess short-term effects of chemotherapy in testicular cancer on myocardial function in relationship with alterations in metabolic profile.

Fourteen patients with testicular cancer were treated with bleomycin, etoposide and cisplatin. Before and after chemotherapy, magnetic resonance imaging techniques were used to assess cardiac systolic and diastolic function, and abdominal fat volume (summation of 3 slices at the level of the L5 vertebra). In addition, hepatic and myocardial triglyceride content were assessed using MR spectroscopy. Blood samples were taken to obtain plasma lipid profile and to estimate insulin sensitivity.  

After chemotherapy, an unfavorable shift in metabolic profile was observed: Visceral abdominal fat volume was increased (from186 ± 125 ml to 227 ± 162 ml. P< 0.05) without significant changes in BMI. Hepatic triglyceride content increased, although non-significant (from 3.23 ± 2.72 % to 4.65 ± 4.85% P> 0.05). In addition proxy-measures of insulin sensitivity (Quicki) decreased from 0.39 ± 0.05 to 0.36 ± 0.05 P < 0.05 and serum LDL-cholesterol increased significantly after chemotherapy treatment from 3.12 ± 1.15 mmol/l to 3.74 ± 1.41 mmol/l. These metabolic derangements were paralleled by subclinical changes in myocardial function. Diastolic function, as assessed as the E/A ratio, decreased (from 1.87 ± 0.43 to ± 1.64 ± 0.45 P< 0.05.) Furthermore, left ventricular end-diastolic volume was decreased (from192 ± 27 ml. to 175 ± 26 ml. P< 0.05), indicating disturbed ventricular relaxation. Myocardial systolic function and myocardial triglyceride content were unaltered.  

Chemotherapy for testicular cancer induces unfavorable metabolic changes, which are paralleled by impairment in diastolic heart function.

Clinical attention should be paid to the metabolic profile and myocardial function of testicular cancer patients treated with chemotherapy, in order to possibly prevent long-term heart failure.  

Van Der Meer, R, Willemse, P, Osanto, S, Burggraaf, K, De Roos, A, Lamb, H, Unfavorable Metabolic Changes are Accompanied by Impaired Myocardial Function Shortly after Chemotherapy.  Radiological Society of North America 2012 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 25 - November 30, 2012 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2012/12023828.html