Use of sildenafil in a liver transplant recipient with acute pulmonary embolism

作者：Bonatti H J R^*; Sawyer R G; Hagspiel K D

来源：European Surgery-Acta Chirurgica Austriaca, 2010, 42(1): 65-67.

DOI：10.1007/s10353-010-0511-8

• Liver transplant
• pulmonary embolism
• sildenafil

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary embolism (PE) can be a fatal complication after liver transplantation (LT). Sildenafil is commonly used in LT candidates with pulmonary hypertension but has not been used in this patient population in the setting of PE. METHODS: We report on a patient who developed PE early post LT. RESULTS: The patient presented with heart failure and shortness of breath, diagnosis of PE was made based on the documentation of lower limb venous thrombosis together with the findings of dilation of the right heart. Systemic heparin was given and sildenafil added in an attempt to lower the pulmonary pressure. The patient recovered from this severe complication and is currently alive with a well-functioning graft. CONCLUSIONS: Sildenafil seems to be a useful adjunct in the management of PE including LT recipients.

• 出版日期2010-1