Spontaneous endogenous microbubbles in a child with Berlin heart ventricular assist device

ASAIO J. 2013 Mar-Apr;59(2):181-2. doi: 10.1097/MAT.0b013e31828381f1.

Abstract

We report the case of an 11-year-old boy with familial dilated cardiomyopathy on biventricular assist devices (Berlin Heart EXCOR) who was found to have spontaneous endogenous microbubbles in the left ventricular (LV) cavity on routine echocardiogram. Although no major sequelae resulted from the presence of these microbubbles, it did however lead to several noninvasive investigations. To our knowledge, this is a novel observation of spontaneous endogenous microbubbles in a patient with a Berlin Heart. The unknown clinical significance of this phenomenon highlights the need for further studies.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Cardiomyopathy, Dilated / surgery*
  • Child
  • Embolism, Air / etiology*
  • Heart-Assist Devices / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Male

Supplementary concepts

  • Familial dilated cardiomyopathy