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Coronary artery bypass grafting nine years after cardiac transplantation

J J Dunning1, S W Kendall, P A Mullins

  • 1Transplant Unit, Papworth Hospital, Cambridgeshire, England.

The Annals of Thoracic Surgery
|September 1, 1992
PubMed

Insights

A heart transplant recipient experienced angina and dyspnea 9 years post-transplant due to severe coronary artery disease. Surgical revascularization successfully relieved his symptoms, offering long-term relief.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Transplantation Medicine
  • Cardiovascular Surgery

Background:

  • Cardiac transplantation is a life-saving procedure for end-stage heart failure.
  • Coronary artery disease (CAD) remains a significant long-term complication after heart transplantation.
  • Graft atherosclerosis can lead to ischemic symptoms years after transplant.

Observation:

  • A 53-year-old male presented with angina and exertional dyspnea 9 years post-cardiac transplantation.
  • Diagnostic evaluation, including left heart catheterization, identified severe proximal triple-vessel coronary artery disease.

Findings:

  • The patient underwent successful surgical revascularization (coronary artery bypass grafting).
  • Post-operatively, the patient remained asymptomatic at an 18-month follow-up.
  • Surgical revascularization is a viable treatment option for de novo coronary artery disease in heart transplant recipients.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the importance of vigilant surveillance for coronary artery disease in long-term heart transplant survivors.
  • Surgical revascularization can effectively manage severe de novo CAD in this population.
  • Timely intervention can restore quality of life and potentially improve long-term outcomes for transplant patients.

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