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.
Jaggers
J
J
Department of Surgery, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver 80262, USA.
Fullerton
D A
DA
Campbell
D N
DN
Andrea
B
B
Jones
S D
SD
Brown
J M
JM
Wolfel
E E
EE
Lindenfeld
J
J
Grover
F L
FL
Bristow
M R
MR
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