Use of Terlipressin in an Elderly Patient With Moderate Aortic Valve Stenosis Accompanied by Episodic Atrial Fibrillation During Liver Transplantation: A Case Report

Abstract

Anesthesia for patients with moderate aortic stenosis accompanied by atrial fibrillation during high-risk surgery such as liver transplantation remains a challenge in maintaining control of heart rate and maintenance of cardiac output. The action of terlipressin on vasopressin receptors (mainly V1 receptors) leads to splanchnic vasoconstriction and is the key mechanism responsible for increasing systemic vascular resistance and reducing heart rate. We report successful anesthetic management using low-dose terlipressin infusion in an elderly patient who had moderate aortic stenosis with atrial fibrillation during urgent deceased-donor liver transplantation.