Symptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysms in long-term survivors of cardiac transplantation.

Abstract

Herein we report the only two long-term survivors of cardiac transplantation who underwent successful repair of symptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysms since the advent of cyclosporine therapy in 1983. Review of the world's literature indicates that the only two recorded cases of repair of symptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysms after cardiac transplantation occurred before the use of cyclosporine. The presentation and clinical course of our patients recently treated are presented, and perioperative care and immunosuppressive management are outlined. As the number of long-term survivors after cardiac transplantation increases, the incidence of other atherosclerotic complications including abdominal aortic aneurysm is likely to become more common, requiring extended cardiovascular follow-up.