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Heart transplantation for tumor
T X Aufiero1, W E Pae, B S Clemson
1Department of Surgery, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey 17033.
The Annals of Thoracic Surgery
|November 1, 1993
Summary
Unresectable cardiac tumors are rare and often fatal. This case study shows a successful heart transplant for a patient with a left ventricle tumor, offering a potential life-saving option.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Oncology
Background:
- Unresectable cardiac tumors are uncommon and associated with a poor prognosis.
- Constrictive cardiomyopathy can be a presenting symptom of cardiac tumors.
Observation:
- A 31-year-old female presented with a large left ventricular tumor causing constrictive cardiomyopathy.
- Diagnostic imaging included echocardiography, angiography, and computed tomography to assess tumor extent.
Findings:
- Surgical exploration confirmed the extent of the unresectable cardiac tumor.
- Orthotopic heart transplantation was performed using a donor organ.
Implications:
- Heart transplantation can be a viable treatment option for select patients with unresectable cardiac tumors.
- This case demonstrates long-term survival and disease-free status following heart transplantation for a cardiac tumor.