Acute chemotherapy-induced cardiomyopathy treated with intracorporeal left ventricular assist device in an 8-year-old child

ASAIO J. 2013 Sep-Oct;59(5):520-2. doi: 10.1097/MAT.0b013e3182a0d242.

Abstract

Evolution of ventricular assist devices (VADs) leading to miniaturization has made intracorporeal implantation in children feasible. Ventricular assist device therapy for anthracycline-induced cardiomyopathy (CMP) in adults has been reported. We report the case of an 8-year-old child (body surface area 0.97 m) presenting with anthracycline-induced CMP being successfully treated with an intracorporeal left ventricular assist device (LVAD) as a bridge to candidacy/recovery. We present our institutional algorithm, which advises intracorporeal LVAD implantation for long-term ventricular assist, in children with a body surface area >0.6 m. Advantages are better mobilization and the possibility to discharge home, leading to enhanced quality of life.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Anthracyclines / adverse effects
  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / adverse effects*
  • Cardiomyopathies / chemically induced*
  • Cardiomyopathies / therapy*
  • Child
  • Doxorubicin / adverse effects
  • Female
  • Fibrosis / chemically induced
  • Heart Failure / chemically induced
  • Heart Ventricles / physiopathology
  • Heart-Assist Devices*
  • Humans
  • Methotrexate / adverse effects
  • Miniaturization
  • Myofibrils / drug effects
  • Sarcoplasmic Reticulum / drug effects
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anthracyclines
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Doxorubicin
  • Methotrexate