Persistent pulmonary hypertension after heterotopic heart transplantation: a case report

Right-sided failure occurring in the donor heart immediately after transplantation is primarily caused by increased recipient pulmonary artery pressure and resistance and represents one of the leading causes of perioperative mortality associated with orthotopic heart transplantation. After transplantation pulmonary hypertension gradually declines, returning to near normal levels within 30 days of transplantation. This article describes a case report of the persistence of pulmonary hypertension after heterotopic heart transplantation. The heterotopic position was utilized because of marked elevation of the pulmonary artery resistance (18 Wood units) calculated at the time of operation. Cardiac catheterization data-obtained during the subsequent 6 months of follow-up showed persistent elevation of pulmonary artery pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance. The patient, however, clinically continues to feel well and remains asymptomatic without signs of right-sided heart failure. Indications, suggested advantages, and demonstrated disadvantages of heterotopic heart transplantation are discussed.