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Updated: Aug 8, 2025
Reduced Complications after Arterial Reconnection in a Rat Model of Orthotopic Liver Transplantation
Published on: November 7, 2020
Takotsubo Syndrome in Orthotopic Liver Transplant: A Systematic Review and Pooled Analysis of Published Studies and
Milana Bachayev1, Brian Brereton2, Avilash Mondal3
1Department of Medicine, International University of the Health Sciences, St. Kitts, Nevis.
Background:
Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) has been reported in solid-organ transplant recipients. However, the pooled data regarding TTS after liver transplant remain limited.
Methods:
A systematic review was performed through February 2022 using PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Google Scholar to review case reports/series and original studies on liver transplant-associated TTS. Descriptive analysis was performed for case reports and pooled analysis for the prevalence using random effects models.
Results:
A total of 56 case reports were included from 30 articles (51.8 % male; mean age, 53 years; India 56%, US 27%, and Europe 8.93%) and 10 original studies (US 88.65%, India 10.92%) revealing liver transplant-associated TTS. The pooled prevalence of TTS was 1.1% (95% Cl, 0.6%-1.7%) of all liver transplants with comparable rates in studies from India and the US (P = .92). Indications for liver transplant included end-stage liver disease due to alcohol-related cirrhosis (25%), hepatitis C virus infection (17.9%), hepatocellular carcinoma (10.7%), and non-alcohol-related steatohepatitis (8.9%); the average Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score was 24.75. TTS commonly presented as hypotension (30%), dyspnea (14%), and oliguria, occurring mostly post-transplant (82%), whereas 14% were intraoperative. Common electrocardiogram findings were ST changes, ventricular tachycardia, and atrial fibrillation. Common echocardiogram findings showed left ventricular apical ballooning in 46.5% of cases and reduced ejection fraction < 20% in 41.9% of cases. Common complications were cardiogenic shock (32.1 %), acute kidney injury (12.5%), arrhythmia, stroke, cardiac arrest, and hepatic artery thrombosis. Mechanical circulatory support was required in 30.3%. Recurrence was reported in 15, and mortality in 30.4% of patients.
Conclusions:
Takotsubo syndrome prevalence after liver transplant is significantly higher than TTS prevalence in general US hospitalizations with potentially worse outcomes. Prospective registries reporting TTS in liver transplant recipients are warranted.
