Cardiac allograft failure: successful use of biventricular assist device.
Nonspecific primary allograft dysfunction is an important cause of perioperative death in cardiac transplant recipients. We report a case of severe nonspecific allograft dysfunction that was ultimately reversible after 18 days of biventricular mechanical circulatory support. Allograft recovery was echocardiographically recognized by a positive inotropic response to isoproterenol and milrinone. This case illustrates the potential for recovery of even extreme allograft dysfunction.
Department of Surgery, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver 80262, USA.
J
J
Jaggers
D A
DA
Fullerton
D N
DN
Campbell
B
B
Andrea
S D
SD
Jones
J M
JM
Brown
E E
EE
Wolfel
J
J
Lindenfeld
F L
FL
Grover
M R
MR
Bristow
D000328:Adult; D002303:Cardiac Output, Low / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D002316:Cardiotonic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000150:complications*; D016027:Heart Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006353:Heart-Assist Devices; D006801:Humans; D007545:Isoproterenol / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D020105:Milrinone; D011728:Pyridones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014463:Ultrasonography
D002316:Cardiotonic Agents; D011728:Pyridones; D020105:Milrinone; D007545:Isoproterenol