Sharp Chest Pains Occurring During Right Ventricular Biopsy in a Patient 9 Years After Cardiac Transplant

Abstract

Objectives: The goal of this case report is to discuss the possible cause of sharp chest pain occurring during myocardial biopsy in post cardiac transplant patients.

Materials and Methods: A 21-year-old man who had undergone a heart transplant 9 years earlier presented with fatigue. He underwent right ventricular biopsy for further evaluation.

Results: During each of his 3 biopsies, he complained of severe sharp chest pain. His chest pain occurred only during biopsy and not when he had premature ventricular contraction during catheter manipulation.

Conclusions: The occurrence of sharp chest pain during myocardial biopsy in this patient may suggest somatic innervation of the donor heart.