Propranolol for gastrointestinal bleeding in two patients with continuous flow left ventricle assist device.

ABSTRACT

Patients with continuous-flow left ventricle assist devices are at risk for gastrointestinal bleeding from angiodysplastic bowel lesions. Neoangiogenesis secondary to von Willebrand factor degradation and increased vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signalling is likely related to their pathophysiology. We speculated that propranolol, known to downregulate VEGF signalling, could be beneficial in patients with recurrent bleeding episodes and anaemia. In this case report, we present a short-term outcome of 2 patients treated with propranolol.