Statements in which the resource exists as a subject.
PredicateObject
rdf:type
lifeskim:mentions
pubmed:issue
6
pubmed:dateCreated
1996-12-16
pubmed:abstractText
A 45-year-old male with end-stage dilative cardiomyopathy was referred for heart transplantation (HTx). Apart from severe heart disease the patient had an unremarkable medical history. Risk factors were heavy smoking and moderate consumption of alcohol. Preoperative screening including a thorough ENT status did not reveal any other risk factor or contraindication for heart transplantation. HTx was performed three months later. Immunosuppressive therapy consisted of triple-drug therapy and induction therapy with antithymocyte globulin. The patient had an uneventful perioperative course. One month after transplantation the patient developed a rapidly growing squamous cell carcinoma of the left tonsil with local metastasis. Because of the rapid growth and size of the tumor surgical treatment was already impossible at that early time. Despite a course of chemotherapy the tumor continued to grow; treatment was changed to radiation therapy resulting in partial remission. Cyclosporine and azathioprine dosages were reduced at the same time. 9 months following HTx the patient developed a rapidly growing recurrence. As there were no further therapeutic options, immunosuppressive therapy was completely discontinued with the patient's agreement. He died 2 months later. The rapid tumor growth and its early manifestation following HTx suggest a preexistent occult carcinoma. A more extensive and repetitive preoperative screening in HTx candidates who are heavy smokers should be considered.
pubmed:language
eng
pubmed:journal
pubmed:citationSubset
IM
pubmed:status
MEDLINE
pubmed:month
Dec
pubmed:issn
0171-6425
pubmed:author
pubmed:issnType
Print
pubmed:volume
43
pubmed:owner
NLM
pubmed:authorsComplete
Y
pubmed:pagination
355-7
pubmed:dateRevised
2004-11-17
pubmed:meshHeading
pubmed:year
1995
pubmed:articleTitle
Tonsillar carcinoma in the early postoperative course following heart transplantation.
pubmed:affiliation
Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Universität Göttingen, Germany.
pubmed:publicationType
Journal Article, Case Reports