Pregnancy-related human leukocyte antigen sensitization leading to cardiac allograft vasculopathy and graft failure in a heart transplant recipient: a case report

Transplant Proc. 2013 Mar;45(2):800-2. doi: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2012.10.038.

Abstract

In this report, we present a heart transplant recipient who developed cross-reactive paternal and donor-specific human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II antibodies during pregnancy, leading to accelerated cardiac allograft vasculopathy and severe allograft dysfunction 17 years after transplantation. This resulted in acute heart failure and ventricular arrhythmias requiring repeat heart transplantation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Arrhythmias, Cardiac / immunology
  • Cardiomyopathies / surgery*
  • Coronary Angiography
  • Coronary Artery Disease / diagnosis
  • Coronary Artery Disease / immunology*
  • Coronary Artery Disease / surgery
  • Cross Reactions
  • Female
  • Graft Rejection / diagnosis
  • Graft Rejection / immunology*
  • Graft Rejection / surgery
  • HLA Antigens / immunology*
  • Heart Failure / immunology
  • Heart Transplantation / adverse effects
  • Heart Transplantation / immunology*
  • Histocompatibility
  • Histocompatibility Testing
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Isoantibodies / blood*
  • Pregnancy
  • Reoperation
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • HLA Antigens
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Isoantibodies