Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF)—induced aortitis in a woman with breast cancer

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is used alongside cytotoxic chemotherapy regimens to reduce the severity and duration of neutropenia and decrease infection risk. Here, we add to the growing body of evidence that aortitis can be considered a recognised side effect of G-CSF therapy.A woman in her 60s with breast carcinoma treated with G-CSF cover alongside adjuvant chemotherapy presented with intermittent fever and epigastric pain. There were no localising signs of infection. Results demonstrated raised inflammatory markers. The patient did not respond to antibiotics, and imaging showed a descending aortitis. She was diagnosed with G-CSF aortitis and treated with high-dose intravenous steroids, which resulted in clinical improvement.Clinicians should be aware of the link between G-CSF administration and the development of aortitis and should consider aortitis when a patient presents with fever in the absence of infection following G-CSF therapy. Clinicians must ensure thorough examination in such non-specific presentations.