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Cytomegalovirus reactivation and colitis after left ventricular assist device placement

Uriel Sandkovsky1, Diana F Florescu, John Y Um

  • 1Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA. usandkovsky@unmc.edu

International Journal of Infectious Diseases : IJID : Official Publication of the International Society for Infectious Diseases
|January 15, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) colitis can cause gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with HeartMate II left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). This study highlights the need to consider CMV colitis in post-LVAD patients experiencing bleeding.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) like the HeartMate II are crucial for end-stage heart failure management.
  • Immunosuppression is common in LVAD recipients, increasing susceptibility to opportunistic infections.

Observation:

  • Two patients with HeartMate II LVADs presented with significant gastrointestinal bleeding.
  • Diagnostic evaluation revealed cytomegalovirus (CMV) colitis as the underlying cause of bleeding in both cases.

Findings:

  • Cytomegalovirus (CMV) colitis is a potential complication following HeartMate II LVAD implantation.
  • Gastrointestinal bleeding in LVAD patients may be attributed to CMV reactivation.

Implications:

  • Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for CMV colitis in LVAD recipients with unexplained gastrointestinal bleeding.
  • Further research into the mechanisms of CMV reactivation post-LVAD and effective management strategies is warranted.

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