Lobar Torsion After Lung Transplantation—A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Authors: Shakoor, Hasan¹; Murthy, Sudish²; Mason, David²; Johnston, Douglas²; Shah, Sonia S.¹; Carrillo, Maria C.³; Mehta, Atul C.

Source: Artificial Organs, Volume 33, Number 7, July 2009 , pp. 551-554(4)

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Buy & download fulltext article:

Price: $48.00 plus tax (Refund Policy)

Abstract:

Lobar torsion is a rare complication following lung transplantation. Early detection and immediate therapeutic intervention can lead to a favorable outcome. We report an unusual case of left lingular torsion following single lung transplantation performed for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The patient experienced severe ventilatory compromise immediately after leaving the operating room, and a chest X-ray revealed a well-demarcated area of consolidation involving the left mid- and lower lung zones. Lingular torsion was promptly diagnosed and corrected surgically. The possibility of acute lobar torsion should be considered in lung transplant recipients who experience acute respiratory compromise in the early postoperative period. Early diagnosis and correction can avoid pulmonary infarction and the need for lobar resection.

Keywords: Lobar torsion; Lung transplantation; Lung torsion; Complications of lung transplantation

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1525-1594.2009.00737.x

Affiliations: 1: Departments of Pulmonary Diseases and Critical Care Medicine, and 2: Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH; and 3: Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA

Publication date: 2009-07-01