Recurrent protein-losing enteropathy and tricuspid valve insufficiency in a transplanted heart: a causal relationship?

Congenit Heart Dis. 2012 May-Jun;7(3):E10-3. doi: 10.1111/j.1747-0803.2011.00557.x. Epub 2011 Jul 31.

Abstract

This case report describes a toddler who developed a protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) 4 years after orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT). He was born with a hypoplastic left heart syndrome for which he underwent a successful Norwood procedure, a Hemi-Fontan palliation, and a Fontan palliation at 18 months of age. Fifteen months following the Fontan operation, he developed a PLE and Fontan failure requiring OHT. Four years after OHT, he developed a severe tricuspid regurgitation and a PLE. His PLE improved after tricuspid valve replacement. It is now 2 years since his tricuspid valve replacement and he remains clinically free of ascites and peripheral edema with a normal serum albumin level. His prosthetic tricuspid valve is functioning normally.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Echocardiography, Doppler, Color
  • Fontan Procedure / adverse effects*
  • Heart Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation
  • Humans
  • Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome / surgery*
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Protein-Losing Enteropathies / diagnosis
  • Protein-Losing Enteropathies / etiology*
  • Recurrence
  • Reoperation
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Failure
  • Tricuspid Valve Insufficiency / diagnosis
  • Tricuspid Valve Insufficiency / etiology*
  • Tricuspid Valve Insufficiency / surgery