Echocardiographic evidence of right ventricular remodeling after transplantation.

Eltzschig, Holger K; Mihaljevic, Tomislav; Byrne, John G; Ehlers, Raila; Smith, Brian; Shernan, Stanton K · Ann Thorac Surg · 2002

case_report · Level V

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Abstract

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.

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