Cutting the Gordian knot of diuretic resistance using continuous ultrafiltration in a Holt-Oram patient with decompensated heart failure and Eisenmenger syndrome: A case report

Abstract

Abstract Background Continuous ultrafiltration consists a decongestion method for patients with refractory decompensated heart failure with diuretic resistance as it enables the energetic withdrawal of isotonic fluid under controlled rate according to the patient’s vital signs, offering decongestion without exceeding plasma refill rate. Case summary A 62-year-old male with history of Holt-Oram syndrome with Eisenmenger physiology presented with worsening dyspnea. Patient initial clinical and laboratory examination, renal vein ultrasound and echocardiogram were consistent with significant congestion. A combined strategy of intravenous furosemide with early initiation of continuous ultrafiltration at an adjustable rate for four days was finally selected. Patient remained hemodynamically stable during the total treatment time and exhibited significant clinical and laboratory improvement. Consecutive renal vein ultrasounds and echocardiograms demonstrated a continuous and steady recession of congestion. During the 4 days of ultrafiltration total fluid loss was estimated at 42 liters. Patient remained asymptomatic without signs of worsened congestion at 1,3 and 5 months follow-up. Discussion Our case depicts that continuous ultrafiltration without exceeding plasma refill rate allows an impaired right ventricle to maintain significant preload. This suggests that it might be considered for patients in whom a session of short classic ultrafiltration might have detrimental results regarding cardiac output.