Thyrotoxicosis-facilitated bridge to recovery with a continuous-flow left ventricular assist device.

Abstract

The HeartMate II is a continuous-flow left ventricular assist device that can be explanted from patients after cardiac recovery. We implanted a HeartMate II in a 21-year-old man who had idiopathic cardiomyopathy. A year later, he developed thyrotoxicosis, presumably secondary to amiodarone administered for ventricular fibrillation. Four months after the diagnosis of thyrotoxicosis, thyroid hormone levels had returned to normal, and native cardiac function had improved remarkably. After a support period of 24 months, the HeartMate II was explanted. Six years later, the patient continues to be in New York Heart Association functional Class I. Amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis may have contributed to myocardial recovery.

• Authors: George V Letsou, Stephane Reverdin, O H Frazier
• Journal: European journal of cardio-thoracic surgery : official journal of the European Association for Cardio-thoracic Surgery (Eur J Cardiothorac Surg) Vol. 44 Issue 3 Pg. 573-4 (Sep 2013) ISSN: 1873-734X [Electronic] Germany
• PMID: 23456013 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Amiodarone

Topics

• Amiodarone (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Cardiomyopathies (drug therapy, surgery)
• Heart-Assist Devices
• Humans
• Male
• Thyrotoxicosis (chemically induced, diagnosis, physiopathology)
• Ventricular Fibrillation (drug therapy, prevention & control)
• Young Adult