Atrophic degeneration and loss of myocytes of residual left ventricular myocardium after Dor operation for ischemic cardiomyopathy associated with left ventricular remodeling.

A 32-year-old male with familial hypercholesterolemia suffered from severe left ventricular dysfunction caused by left ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction (ischemic cardiomyopathy), and endoventricular circular patch plasty (Dor operation) was performed. The patient's postoperative recovery was favorable. Postoperative left ventricular function was significantly improved and the patient was discharged from our hospital. However, about 5 months later, the patient developed congestive heart failure, which progressed rapidly and irreversibly, with death at postoperative month 6. At autopsy, atrophic degeneration and loss of myocytes of the residual left ventricular myocardium were suggested to be the cause of irreversible heart failure. The postoperative balance between function of the residual myocardium and reduced left ventricular volume should be considered in cases of Dor operation for ischemic cardiomyopathy with left ventricular remodeling.