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Updated: Jun 19, 2026
16:11
Implantation of the Syncardia Total Artificial Heart
Published on: July 18, 2014
Pericardial constriction after cardiac transplantation.
Ramesh Bansal1, Leandro Perez, Anees Razzouk
1Division of Cardiology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, California 92354, USA. rbansal@llu.edu
Summary
Constrictive pericarditis can occur after heart transplantation. Early diagnosis with Doppler echocardiography and surgical pericardiectomy can improve patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Transplantation Surgery
Background:
- Orthotopic heart transplantation is a life-saving procedure.
- Post-transplant complications can impact graft survival and patient outcomes.
Observation:
- Five cases of constrictive pericarditis post-orthotopic heart transplantation are presented.
- Patients developed pericardial effusion of non-infectious etiology early post-transplant.
- Heart failure symptoms were unresponsive to medical management.
Findings:
- Comprehensive echo-Doppler studies aided diagnosis.
- Surgical pericardiectomy improved hemodynamics in 4 out of 5 patients.
- One patient experienced constriction relief but died from non-cardiac causes; another was re-listed due to complications.
Implications:
- Early diagnosis of constrictive pericarditis after heart transplantation is crucial.
- High clinical suspicion and Doppler echocardiography are key for timely diagnosis.
- Prompt surgical pericardiectomy can lead to satisfactory long-term results.
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