Pericarditis associated with cytarabine therapy for acute myelocytic leukemia: a case report.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of cytarabine-induced pericarditis is rare. So far, only a few cases have been reported worldwide.

DESCRIPTION OF THE CASE: We are reporting a case of a 25-year-old male with acute myeloid leukemia (AML M2a) on chemotherapy who developed acute pericarditis after the administration of a cytarabine-containing regimen. The symptoms gradually improved after symptomatic treatment with steroids and other drugs.

CONCLUSIONS: This case demonstrates that, although pericarditis induced by cytarabine is rare, early recognition of this potentially life-threatening complication and appropriate management will usually result in the patient's recovery.