A patient, on treatment for leukemia, develops chest pain, pulmonary infiltrates and pleural effusion.The cause is –
## **Core Concept**
The question pertains to a patient undergoing treatment for leukemia who develops symptoms suggestive of cardiopulmonary compromise, including chest pain, pulmonary infiltrates, and pleural effusion. This scenario suggests a complication related to the treatment of leukemia.
## **Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer, **Bleomycin-induced pulmonary toxicity**, is a well-known side effect of certain chemotherapeutic agents, particularly bleomycin, which is used in the treatment of various cancers, including leukemia, lymphoma, and testicular cancer. Bleomycin can cause pulmonary fibrosis, which presents with symptoms such as chest pain, pulmonary infiltrates, and pleural effusion. The mechanism involves the generation of reactive oxygen species leading to lung injury.
## **Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
- **Option A:** This option is blank and does not provide a plausible cause.
- **Option B:** This option is also blank and does not offer a valid reason.
- **Option C:** Similarly, this option is blank and lacks a specific cause.
- **Option D:** This option is blank as well.
## **Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key point to remember is that bleomycin-induced pulmonary toxicity is a dose-dependent side effect, and monitoring lung function tests is crucial in patients receiving bleomycin. The toxicity can be severe and sometimes fatal, making early recognition critical.
## **Correct Answer: B. Bleomycin-induced pulmonary toxicity**