Pulmonary homograft failure presents as abdominal ascites

Abstract

Ascites is a condition typically attributed to liver disease but can be cardiac in aetiology as well. We report of an atypical case of pulmonary homograft failure status—post the Ross-Yacoub procedure as an underlying cause of anasarca. A man in his mid-30s with a history of congenital heart disease presented with abdominal distension and exercise intolerance. His prior history was relevant for congenital bicuspid aortic valve with critical aortic stenosis. Abdomen and pelvis CT revealed a grossly dilated inferior vena cava while transthoracic echocardiogram showed severe homograft pulmonary stenosis and regurgitation. Further investigation with cardiac MRI demonstrated severe pulmonary valve stenosis and regurgitation with significant tricuspid regurgitation and right ventricular dilatation. The transcatheter stent in the right ventricular to pulmonary artery conduit followed by transcatheter valve replacement, which resulted in full resolution of his presenting symptoms.