Intraoperative venesection and isosorbide dinitrate for postreperfusion syndrome during liver transplantation: A case report

RATIONALE: Postreperfusion syndrome is the most severe cardiovascular and metabolic alteration which typically occurs after the declamping of the portal vein of the grafted liver during liver transplantation, and it could affect the mortality and morbidity of the patient. PATIENT CONCERNS: We report the case of ischemic change in electrocardiogram with substantial increase of central venous pressure, from 6 to 16 mmHg, that developed immediately after reperfusion. DIAGNOSES: Based on his hemodynamic parameters, it was suspected that this event was caused by sudden volume overload in the right ventricle after reperfusion rather than hypovolemic status, thromboembolism, or any other possibilities. INTERVENTIONS: He was treated with active venesection of 300 mL and isosorbide dinitrates infusion at the rate of 30 μg/min. OUTCOMES: The parameter values were restored to normal within 15 to 20 minutes after treatment, and the patient was discharged postoperatively without any significant cardiac sequelae. LESSONS: Although ischemic ST change during reperfusion reported without any previous cardiac complication is limited, the patient could recover rapidly with careful identification of the cause of PRS and immediate treatment.