α-Gal as a cause for recurrent femoral artery stenosis after patch angioplasty with bovine pericardium

Abstract

α-Gal syndrome (AGS) is an allergy to meat and other products derived from non-primate mammals resulting from development of IgE antibodies against the oligosaccharide galactose-α,1,3-galactose (α-Gal). Sensitivity to α-Gal is linked to tick bites, particularly bites from Amblyomma americanum (lone star tick). Recent studies demonstrate early failure of bioprosthetic valves in the setting of chronic inflammation following exposure to animal-derived surgical implants. We report a case of AGS associated with restenosis of prior bovine pericardium used for a common femoral patch angioplasty requiring reoperation.

Keywords

• α-Gal syndrome
• Chronic inflammation
• Critical limb ischemia
• Bovine patch angioplasty
• IgE