Missing the blind spot in a HeartMate 3 outflow graft obstruction caused by fungal infection

Abstract

A patient was admitted in cardiogenic shock and a constant decrease of pump flow requiring combined inotropic support. To evaluate the cause, echocardiography and a ramp test were performed. The results suggested a LVAD related problem - particularly a suspected outflow graft obstruction. Wether CT scan nor angiography confirmed the assumption. However, a post-mortem LVAD examination revealed an outflow obstruction caused by a fungal thrombus formation invisible for standard imaging procedures.