Spectrum of neurologic events following cardiac transplantation.

Cardiac transplantation is increasingly an alternative treatment for selected patients with intractable heart failure. Since its introduction in 1967, advances in postoperative care, particularly in the use of immunosuppressive regimens, have improved survival to 85% at 1 year and 65% at 5 years. Although graft rejection and infection remain major causes of mortality, neurologic complications occur in 50-60% of patients and contribute significantly to morbidity and quality of survival. Knowledge of the spectrum of neurologic complications combined with an intensive diagnostic and therapeutic approach is needed to reduce the neurologic morbidity.