Severe gastroparesis after orthotopic heart transplantation

We present a case of severe gastroparesis in a recipient of orthotopic heart transplantation. Although a rare condition after heart transplantation, it is a potential cause of significant morbidity, including vomiting, aspiration and pneumonia. Moreover, impaired gastric emptying alters the pharmacokinetics of immunosuppressive medication with increased risk of severe side effects. Herein, we describe a diagnostic and therapeutic strategy that was successfully applied in a patient with gastroparesis.

Automated summary

Gastroparesis is a rare but severe complication after heart transplantation, which can lead to vomiting, aspiration, pneumonia, and altered pharmacokinetics of immunosuppressive medication with increased risk of severe side effects. A successful diagnostic and therapeutic strategy was described for managing gastroparesis in a patient.