Successful Heart Transplant in Dilated Cardiomyopathy Associated With Alström Syndrome: A Case Report

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Genetics
• Transplantation

Background:

• Alström syndrome is a rare genetic disorder affecting multiple organs.
• Dilated cardiomyopathy affects approximately two-thirds of Alström syndrome patients.
• Heart transplantation is often not ideal due to organ shortages and multi-organ dysfunction.

Observation:

• A 17-year-old boy with Alström syndrome presented with severe liver dysfunction.
• The patient also had dilated cardiomyopathy, a common complication of Alström syndrome.

Findings:

• The patient underwent a successful isolated heart transplant.
• Despite severe pre-existing liver dysfunction, the transplant was successful.

Implications:

• This case highlights the potential for successful isolated heart transplantation in Alström syndrome patients with co-existing organ dysfunction.
• Timely management of cardiac dysfunction may prevent or reverse other organ failures in Alström syndrome.
• This approach may offer a viable therapeutic option for select Alström syndrome patients.