Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 17, 2026
07:08
A High-Fidelity Porcine Model of Orthotopic Heart Transplantation Following Donation after Circulatory Death
Published on: June 6, 2025
Heart transplantation in primary amyloidosis
José Francisco Baumgratz1, José Henrique Andrade Vila, Claudia Jesus Guilhen
1Hospital Beneficência Portuguesa, São Paulo, Brazil.
Summary
Cardiac amyloidosis significantly impacts life expectancy. Heart transplantation can offer long-term survival, even with multi-organ involvement, challenging previous treatment considerations.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Nephrology
- Transplantation Medicine
Background:
- Cardiac amyloidosis presents a poor prognosis with limited survival post-symptomatic onset.
- The systemic nature of amyloidosis often complicates treatment decisions, including heart transplantation due to organ shortages.
Observation:
- A case report detailing a patient with amyloidosis who underwent heart transplantation.
- The patient experienced seven years of survival in good condition post-heart transplant.
- Renal transplantation was also indicated one year after the cardiac procedure due to disease progression.
Findings:
- This patient's long-term survival contrasts sharply with three other patients who experienced early mortality after diagnosis.
- Despite the multi-systemic nature of amyloidosis, selected patients may benefit from heart transplantation.
Implications:
- Heart transplantation can be a viable, life-extending option for select amyloidosis patients.
- Careful patient selection is crucial, considering the disease's systemic impact and organ availability.
- This case highlights the potential for favorable outcomes in challenging amyloidosis cases.
