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Constrictive Pericarditis in the Presence of Remaining Remnants of a Left Ventricular Assist Device in a Heart

R Rivinius1, M Helmschrott1, V Koch1

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Angiology and Pneumology, University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.

Case Reports in Transplantation
|June 20, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Constrictive pericarditis (CP) developed in a heart transplant patient due to a retained left ventricular assist device (LVAD) component. Surgical removal of the LVAD remnant resolved the CP, improving the patient's symptoms.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Cardiac Surgery
  • Transplantation Medicine

Background:

  • Constrictive pericarditis (CP) is a severe condition affecting the pericardium.
  • Heart transplantation (HTX) patients can develop various complications.
  • Retained foreign bodies after surgery are rare but can cause significant issues.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a unique case of constrictive pericarditis.
  • To highlight the role of a retained left ventricular assist device (LVAD) component as a cause of CP.
  • To describe the successful surgical management and outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • A 63-year-old male heart transplant recipient presented with dyspnea and fatigue.
  • Cardiac MRI incidentally detected a foreign body in the epicardial tissue.
  • Echocardiography and cardiac catheterization confirmed constrictive pericarditis.
  • Surgical removal of the foreign body (LVAD remnant) and pericardiectomy were performed.

Main Results:

  • A retained LVAD inflow pump connection was identified as the cause of CP.
  • Surgical removal of the LVAD remnant and pericardiectomy were successfully performed.
  • The patient experienced rapid symptom improvement and uneventful recovery.
  • Follow-up at 3 and 6 months showed stable clinical status and improved physical capacity.

Conclusions:

  • A retained LVAD component can lead to constrictive pericarditis in heart transplant recipients.
  • Surgical intervention for removal of the foreign body and pericardiectomy is effective.
  • Prompt diagnosis and management result in favorable patient outcomes and symptom resolution.

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