Abstract 9457: Primary Cardiac Allograft Dysfunction Caused by Pretransplantation Amiodarone Therapy

Abstract

Background: Primary graft dysfunction (PGD) is devastating. Amiodarone therapy prior to cardiac transplantation (TxP) is common but has recently been reported as potential cause of PGD. Case: 66-year-old male with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy, severely reduced LVEF with LVAD, recurrent VT on amiodarone for 6 months presented with ICD shocks. Amiodarone was increased due to VT storm in the setting of Rhinovirus infection. Infusions with amiodarone and lidocaine were started but repeat IV boli of lidocaine and amiodarone were needed. VT-ablation was not feasible due to multiple morphologies. He underwent TxP with an ideal organ from a 28 yo donor. Paragonix SherpaPak was used for transport. Pre-explanation EF was 70% with serologies positive for EBV (+/+), Strongyloides (+/-), negative for Toxoplasmosis (-/-), CMV (-/-). Donor heart was arrested with appropriate cardioplegia and no distention occurred. Total ischemic time was 3 hours 10 minutes, warm ischemic time 40 minutes, crossclamp time in recipient 2 hours 2 minutes with total cardiopulmonary bypass time 2 hours 58 minutes. Coming off bypass both ventricles appeared markedly dilated with severely reduced function and due to high doses of inotropic and vasopressor support veno-arterial ECMO was placed. The chest was left open and during postoperative course in the intensive care unit pressor and inotropes could slowly weaned. Induction therapy was administered with ATG, Solumedrol and mycophenolate mofetil. Strongyloides infection was treated with four doses of Ivermectin. On postoperative day LVEF recovered to 40-45% with moderately reduced RV function and patient was successfully decannulated from VA ECMO with chest closure. Endomyocardial biopsies showed no signs of rejection throughout. After prolonged ICU and rehab stay patient has now recovered to independent life. Conclusion: Amiodarone associated PGD may be underreported and increasing awareness of this etiology may warrant early empiric discontinuation of the medication if transplantation remains a therapeutic option in the future.