Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2026

Implantation of the Syncardia Total Artificial Heart
Published on: July 18, 2014
Postpericardiotomy syndrome during intensive immunosuppression after cardiac transplantation
C E Charitos1, D A Kontoyannis, J N Nanas
1Department of Surgery, Evangelismos Hospital, Athens, Greece.
Abstract:
A 15-year-old man with end-stage heart failure due to dilated cardiomyopathy, underwent heart transplantation. In the second postoperative week, while being treated with monoclonal antibodies (OKT3), cyclosporine and azathioprine, he developed a postpericardiotomy syndrome and cardiac tamponade, which necessitated emergency pericardiocentesis. Corticosteroids, administered according to the immunosuppression protocol, resulted in the prompt subsidence of the syndrome. This is the first report of a large pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade due to a postpericardiotomy syndrome in an adult cardiac recipient.
Related Concept Videos
Myocarditis III: Medical Management
Pericarditis I: Introduction
Pericarditis III: Medical Management
Pericarditis IV: Nursing Management
Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care
Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care

