Immunocompetent cells in durable ventricular assist device-implanted non-ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy

OBJECTIVE: Because the presence of immunocompetent cells in the myocardium is associated with the pathological stage and/or myocardial viability, we explored relationships between functional recovery after left ventricular assist device implantation and the distribution of immunocompetent cells in non-ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy patients. METHODS: We reviewed 50 consecutive dilated cardiomyopathy patients implanted with HeartMate II at our institute between April 2013 and December 2018 who were treated with optimal medical therapy during left ventricular assist device support. Patients were stratified by improvement of the left ventricular ejection fraction at 6 months after implantation: ≥ 10% increase (Gr ≥ 10%), 5–10% (Gr 5–10%), and ≤ 5% (Gr ≤ 5%). T cells and macrophages were evaluated in the apical myocardium after left ventricular assist device implantation. RESULTS: During left ventricular assist device support, 12 patients underwent heart transplantation and 2 patients died. Four patients with Gr ≤ 5% were readmitted because of congestive heart failure, but none with Gr ≥ 10%. Macrophages and T cells in the left ventricular myocardium with Gr ≥ 10% were significantly more present compared to those in other groups. CONCLUSIONS: The distribution of immunocompetent cells in the left ventricular myocardium might predict myocardial viability of this pathology after implantation.