Choriocarcinoma syndrome is a rare clinical entity with advanced, high volume choriocarcinomatous tumors and markedly elevated B-hCG (>50,000 IU/L). Recognition is important because the diagnosis of this syndrome identifies poor prognosis without mortality-proven management options. We present a case of a male in his twenties with metastatic choriocarcinoma who developed choriocarcinoma syndrome acutely after chemotherapy commencement. The patient deceased after hypoxic respiratory failure due to diffuse alveolar hemorrhage as a result of death of vascular tumors. While the prognosis for early diagnosis and treatment is excellent, the prognosis for late diagnosis is grim. Unfortunately, despite surgical or chemotherapeutic intervention, this syndrome has poor outcome.
Arsenic trioxide (ATO) is commonly known to cause QT prolongation with resultant ventricular tachycardia (VT). VT, independent of QT prolongation, can be a complication of ATO. We present a 46-year-old female who received ATO and during her hospital course had intermittent nonsustained VT. All usual causes of VT were considered including reduced EF < 35%, ischemia, electrolyte abnormalities, medications, and genetic polymorphisms; however, no specific cause was found. After stopping therapy, the episodes of nonsustained VT ceased indicating that there is an association between ATO and VT.
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