Clinical implications of inducible left ventricular outflow tract obstruction among patients undergoing liver transplant evaluation

Abstract Introduction Patients with end stage liver disease (ESLD) have a hyperdynamic state due to decreased systemic vascular resistance and increased cardiac output. Preoperative evaluation with dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) is used to risk-stratify patients prior to liver transplant. We sought to identify the impact of inducible left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) on DSE on post-operative liver transplant outcomes. Methods Patients with ESLD who underwent liver transplant at Cleveland Clinic between January 2007 and August 2016 were identified. Pre-operative DSE data, and post-operative intensive care unit (ICU) data were extracted. Patients with inducible LVOTO were compared to those without LVOTO. Results Of the 515 patients identified who underwent DSE prior to liver transplant, 165 (30%) were female, and 95 (18%) had LVOTO. There were no major differences in baseline characteristics between the two groups. In the LVOTO group, rest gradients were 10.8 ± 3 mm Hg while peak gradients were 90 ± 48.2 mm Hg. No significant differences in ICU length of stay or duration of mechanical ventilation between both groups were noted. There were 21 deaths at 30 days. There were 2 (2.1%) deaths in the LVOTO group, versus 19 (4.5%) deaths in the non LVOTO group (p = 0.28). Higher Model for End Stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores predicted longer duration of mechanical ventilation and ICU length of stay. Conclusion Inducible LVOTO on DSE does not adversely affect the short-term outcomes post liver transplant. Presence of inducible LVOTO should not be the mere reason to deny liver transplant among patients with ESLD.