Glucocorticoids and hippocampal atrophy after heart transplantation

Ann Thorac Surg. 2002 Jun;73(6):1965-7. doi: 10.1016/s0003-4975(01)03502-0.

Abstract

The glucocorticoid cascade hypothesis proposes that hippocampal atrophy may result from excessive steroid exposure. Although demonstrated in animal models and some human hypercortisolemic states, hippocampal damage as a possible consequence of posttransplant steroid immunosuppression has not been investigated in human heart transplant recipients. We report a case of a 37-year-old female heart transplant recipient who had the clinical, neuropsychiatric, and neuroimaging findings consistent with hippocampal atrophy after 5 years of steroid exposure.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Atrophy / chemically induced
  • Female
  • Glucocorticoids / adverse effects*
  • Heart Transplantation*
  • Hippocampus / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Postoperative Complications / chemically induced*

Substances

  • Glucocorticoids