Metal Allergy in Cardiovascular Surgery : a Case Report / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

ABSTRACT

We present a successful case of a patient with multiple metal allergy—cobalt, nickel, chromium, and zinc—who had a past history of systemic metal dermatitis. He was a 58-year-old man who complained of exertional chest discomfort. After admission, he had a fever and his blood culture was positive with methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus. Three days later, multiple micro cerebral infraction was detected in magnetic resonance imaging. After an improvement of inflammatory reaction, he was transferred to our facility for cardiac examination. Moderate mitral regurgitation due to valve perforation and multiple coronary vessel stenosis were detected. Mitral valve replacement and coronary artery bypass grafting were planned to perform. We chose surgical materials based on a preoperative epicutaneous (patch) test and his clinical course was uneventful without any allergic reaction. Metal contact allergy is an important issue in cardiovascular surgery. A collaboration with dermatologists is essential for the preparation of surgical materials.