Transplantation of hearts from SARS‐CoV‐2 positive donors

Abstract

Abstract Incidence of SARS‐CoV‐2 remains high in the population. Consequently, an increasing percentage of reported organ donors are also SARS‐CoV‐2 positive. Although donors may not have experienced COVID‐19‐related symptoms, there is a chance of unnoticed cardiovascular effects associated with this disease. Therefore, SARS‐CoV‐2 donor grafts have been regularly rejected for heart transplantation (HTx) for a long time. We hereby present three consecutive patients receiving grafts from SARS‐CoV‐2 positive donors (defined by the PCR cycle threshold value < 30). All patients underwent HTx after a previous triple mRNA vaccination (mRNA‐BNT162b2 vaccine, Comirnaty) without adverse events and with a regular post‐operative course. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance and endomyocardial biopsies confirmed excellent graft function without signs of rejection or viral myocarditis. After a mean follow‐up of 135 days after HTx, all patients were in good conditions without heart failure, viral myocarditis, or SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Thus, we conclude that HTx with SARS‐CoV‐2 positive donors seems safe and feasible.

Keywords

• Heart transplantation
• SARS‐CoV‐2
• Donor
• COVID‐19