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Cardiac transplantation in muscular dystrophies: A case series
Mariano G Bergier1, Rocio Blanco1, Ezequiel Lillo1
1Cardiology Department, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Insights
Cardiac transplantation is a viable option for muscular dystrophy patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. This study shows 100% survival and good functional capacity after the procedure, highlighting the need for multidisciplinary care.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Genetics
- Transplantation Medicine
Background:
- Muscular dystrophies frequently cause cardiac complications like dilated cardiomyopathy and arrhythmias.
- Cardiac transplantation is a potential treatment for end-stage heart failure in these patients, but its efficacy has been debated.
- This study addresses the feasibility and outcomes of cardiac transplantation in muscular dystrophy patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the preoperative characteristics and postoperative outcomes of patients with muscular dystrophy and dilated cardiomyopathy who underwent cardiac transplantation.
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of cardiac transplantation in this specific patient population.
Main Methods:
- A case series of five male patients with muscular dystrophy and dilated cardiomyopathy who received cardiac transplants between 2018 and 2024.
- Analysis of preoperative patient data and postoperative outcomes, including survival and functional capacity.
- Genetic variants were confirmed in all participants.
Main Results:
- All five patients survived the cardiac transplantation, with a median follow-up of 16 months.
- Two patients experienced postoperative respiratory and swallowing issues, but overall functional capacity was good.
- 100% survival rate was observed in this cohort.
Conclusions:
- Cardiac transplantation is a feasible and effective treatment option for patients suffering from muscular dystrophy-related dilated cardiomyopathy.
- A comprehensive functional evaluation and a multidisciplinary approach are crucial for optimizing outcomes in these complex patients.
Abstract:
Muscular dystrophies can involve cardiac complications, including dilated cardiomyopathy, arrhythmias, and conduction system disorders. In cases of terminal heart failure, cardiac transplantation may be considered a viable option; however, its feasibility in this population has been questioned for many years. This case series describes the preoperative characteristics and postoperative outcomes of five patients with muscular dystrophy and dilated cardiomyopathy who underwent cardiac transplantation at a tertiary care center in Latin America between 2018 and 2024. All patients were male, with a mean age of 38.4 ± 11.5 years at transplantation. Genetic variants were confirmed in all cases. Although two patients experienced postoperative respiratory and swallowing complications, survival was 100 %, with a median follow-up of 16 months and good functional capacity. Cardiac transplantation is a valid option for patients with muscular dystrophies and dilated cardiomyopathy, emphasizing the importance of functional evaluation and a multidisciplinary approach to optimize outcomes.
