Echocardiographic evidence of right ventricular remodeling after transplantation.
Right ventricular (RV) failure is a significant source of mortality after cardiac transplantation. The use of RV assist devices (RVAD) as a bridge to recovery has been reported. However, early changes of RV structure and anatomy after RVAD implantation have yet to be described. We report a case of RV failure after transplantation requiring RVAD implantation. After 3 weeks of gradual weaning of inotropic and RVAD support, the device was explanted successfully. Transesophageal echocardiography documents RV hypertrophy and remodeling between RVAD implantation and removal, suggesting a rapid adaptive response of the right ventricle in the presence of pulmonary hypertension.
Eltzschig
Holger K
HK
Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.
Mihaljevic
Tomislav
T
Byrne
John G
JG
Ehlers
Raila
R
Smith
Brian
B
Shernan
Stanton K
SK
D000328:Adult; D017548:Echocardiography, Transesophageal; D016027:Heart Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006353:Heart-Assist Devices; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D020257:Ventricular Remodeling