Beef Allergy after Bovine Cardiac Conduit Placement: A Case of Potential Implant-Related Sensitization

Nikhil A. Crain and Allison G. Hicks

Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, USA Department of Pediatrics, Section of Allergy and Immunology, University of Colorado of Medicine, Aurora, USA

^*Correspondance to: Allison G. Hicks 

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Abstract:

IgE-mediated beef allergy is uncommon in children. We share how an eight-year-old boy with congenital heart disease developed immediate, reproducible reactions to home-cooked beef despite prior tolerance. Surgical history was significant for bovine-derived cardiac conduit during infancy, with partial graft material remaining after synthetic replacement. Allergy workup demonstrated elevated beef-specific IgE with negative alpha-gal serology. The patient tolerated other mammalian meats and diary, suggesting selective sensitization to beef. He had no tick exposures or travel outside of the state. This novel case highlights a potential association between bovine-derived conduit exposure and subsequent IgE-mediated beef allergy. More investigation is warranted to clarify the risk of IgE-mediated allergy in patients with biologic grafts.

Keywords:

IgE-mediated beef allergy; Biologic graft; Bovine vein conduit; Mammalian meat allergy; Alpha-gal syndrome

Cite the Article:

Crain NA, Hicks AG. Beef Allergy after Bovine Cardiac Conduit Placement: A Case of Potential Implant-Related Sensitization. Ann Clin Case Rep. 2026; 11: 2828..