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©2007 Baishideng Publishing Group Co., Limited. All rights reserved.
World J Gastroenterol. Jun 21, 2007; 13(23): 3253-3254
Published online Jun 21, 2007. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v13.i23.3253
Published online Jun 21, 2007. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v13.i23.3253
Subacute gastric perforation caused by a left ventricular assist device
Demetris Yannopoulos, Division of Cardiology, University of Minnesota, MN, Mail Code 508, 420 Delaware St, SE Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States
Author contributions: All authors contributed equally to the work.
Correspondence to: Demetris Yannopoulos, MD, Division of Cardiology, University of Minnesota, MN, Mail Code 508, 420 Delaware St, SE Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States. yanno001@umn.edu
Telephone: +1-612-6254401 Fax: +1-612-624-4937,
Received: March 13, 2007
Revised: April 2, 2007
Accepted: April 11, 2007
Published online: June 21, 2007
Revised: April 2, 2007
Accepted: April 11, 2007
Published online: June 21, 2007
Abstract
This case report describes a rare complication of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD). A patient with ischemic cardiomyopathy had an LVAD placed due to intractable congestive heart failure following a large anterior myocardial infarction. The patient developed chronic bacteremia and multiple septic episodes. A gastric endoscopy revealed perforation of the anterior wall of the stomach by the LVAD. Gastric acid related erosions were present on the metallic surface suggesting prolonged exposure. This is the second case report of this rare complication and the first case report of a subacute course.