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Abdominal aortic aneurysms after heart transplantation
Pascal J M J Vantrimpont1, Bastiaan M van Dalen, Iza C van Riemsdijk-van Overbeeke
1Heart Transplantation Unit, Thoraxcentre, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. p.vantrimpont@erasmusmc.nl
Summary
Abdominal aortic aneurysms are common after heart transplantation, especially in patients with prior ischemic heart disease. These aneurysms lead to serious consequences and increased mortality, necessitating close monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Vascular Surgery
- Transplant Medicine
Background:
- Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are infrequently reported in heart transplant recipients.
- Little is known about the incidence, risk factors, and clinical outcomes of AAAs post-heart transplantation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of AAAs after heart transplantation.
- To identify risk factors associated with AAA development in this population.
- To evaluate the clinical consequences of AAAs in heart transplant recipients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective, single-center cohort study.
- Involved 368 consecutive heart transplant recipients transplanted between 1984 and 1999.
- Mean follow-up duration of 75 months.
Main Results:
- 10% of transplant recipients (37/368) developed AAAs.
- Incidence was higher (18%) in patients with a history of ischemic heart disease.
- History of ischemic heart disease was the sole independent risk factor for AAA development.
- AAAs caused death in at least 9 patients.
Conclusions:
- AAAs are relatively frequent after heart transplantation and occur at a younger age compared to the general population.
- Patients with a history of ischemic heart disease or pre-existing dilated aorta require close ultrasonographic surveillance.
- AAAs pose significant clinical risks and consequences in heart transplant recipients.