Work

Cardiac Transplantation for Peripartum Cardiomyopathy in a Patient With Sickle Cell Disease

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Cardiac surgery, particularly cardiac transplantation, is considered high risk in patients with sickle cell hemoglobinopathies and rarely reported in the literature. CASE SUMMARY: We present a case of a 33-year-old woman with sickle cell β+ thalassemia and peripartum cardiomyopathy, who presented with sickling crisis and cardiogenic shock requiring temporary mechanical support. The patient ultimately successfully underwent heart transplantation. DISCUSSION: This case illustrates how careful use of mechanical circulatory support, appropriate perisurgical planning including preoperative exchange transfusion and avoidance of hypothermia, allowed for successful orthotopic heart transplantation in a woman with sickle cell hemoglobinopathy and cardiogenic shock in the postpartum setting. TAKE-HOME MESSAGES: Cardiac transplantation in patients with hemoglobinopathies is rare but achievable. A tailored perioperative approach, developed by a collaborative multidisciplinary team, can optimize outcomes and lead to successful transplantation in these complex cases.

Source: JACC Case Reports

DOI: 10.1016/j.jaccas.2025.104451