What is expected in lung function after lung transplantation due to end-stage pulmonary silicosis?

In this study, we aimed to determine the impact of lung transplantation (LTx) on pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and survival among patients with end-stage silicosis. We included patients with end-stage silicosis on the wait list for LTx, between January 1989 and July 2015 (N = 26). Sixteen of these patients received LTx; 10 were eligible, but did not undergo LTx (non-LTx) during the study period. Retrospective information on PFTs (spirometry [volumes and flows], 6-minute walking test [6MWT], and DLCO) was retrieved from patients' medical charts, including baseline information for all patients and follow-up information for the LTx. At baseline, most patients presented with spirometric and 6MWT values that were suggestive of severe disease (FEV1 /FVC 76.5 ± 29.7; 6MWT 267.4 ± 104.5 m). Significant increases in these values were observed at follow-up in the LTx (P = .036 and .151, respectively). The overall median survival of patients in the LTx and non-LTx was 3.35 years (95% CI: 0.16-14.38) and 0.78 years (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.12-3.65) (P = 0.002), respectively. For patients with end-stage silicosis, LTx offers significant benefits regarding pulmonary function and survival when compared to non-LTx, and is a reliable tool to help this critical population of patients, whose only treatment option is LTx.

Aspergillus niger causing tracheobronchitis and invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in a lung transplant recipient: case report.

A case of invasive aspergillosis caused by Aspergillus niger in a lung transplant recipient is described. The patient presented hyperglycemia starting postoperatively, with other complications such as cytomegalovirus infection. The associated predisposing factors and other implications are discussed. Aspergillus niger seems to be a fungal species of low virulence that requires the presence of a severely immunosuppressed host to cause invasive disease.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Patients With Advanced Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Referred for Lung Transplantation.

PURPOSE: Currently, pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) has a weak recommendation for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and is often recommended for mild to moderate disease. We aimed to investigate the completion rate of PR in patients with advanced IPF, to analyze whether the severity of disease influences PR response and whether there is any difference between subjects who are able or not able to successfully complete the program. METHODS: Patients with IPF referred to lung transplantation (n = 48) were enrolled in an outpatient PR program including 3 times/wk supervised exercise training during 12 wk. A short-form 36-item health-related quality-of-life (HRQL) questionnaire and 6-min walk test distance (6MWD) were evaluated before and after PR. RESULTS: We found that 64.5% of patients successfully completed PR (31/48). Baseline forced vital capacity (FVC) and lung diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) were 49% ± 13% and 46% ± 17% of predicted, respectively. There was no difference comparing those who did and did not complete PR. In the former group, 6MWD (58 ± 63 m) and several domains of the HRQL questionnaire improved significantly. No significant association was found between markers of disease severity (FVC, DLCO, and dyspnea) and improvement in clinical outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Two-thirds of our sample with advanced IPF referred to lung transplant successfully attended PR and improved exercise capacity and HRQL, without association with markers of disease severity. No difference was found at baseline compared with subjects who were not able to complete the program.

Anatomic pulmonary resection via video-assisted thoracic surgery: analysis of 117 cases at a referral center in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE:: To describe our experience with video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) for anatomic pulmonary resection at a referral center for thoracic surgery in Brazil. METHODS:: All patients who underwent anatomic pulmonary resection by VATS between 2010 and 2015 were included. Clinical and pathological data, as well as postoperative complications, were analyzed. RESULTS:: A total of 117 pulmonary resections by VATS were performed, of which 98 were lobectomies and 19 were anatomic segmentectomies. The mean age of the patients was 63.6 years (range, 15-86 years). Females predominated (n = 69; 59%). The mean time to chest tube removal was 2.47 days, and the mean length of ICU stay was 1.88 days. The mean length of hospital stay was 4.48 days. Bleeding ≥ 400 mL occurred in 15 patients. Conversion to thoracotomy was required in 4 patients. CONCLUSIONS:: Our results are similar to those published in major international studies, indicating that VATS is an important strategy for pulmonary resection. They also show that VATS can be safely performed with adequate training. This technique should be used more often for the treatment of lung diseases in Brazil. OBJETIVO:: Relatar a experiência com cirurgia torácica videoassistida (CTVA) para ressecções pulmonares anatômicas em um centro nacional de referência de cirurgia torácica no Brasil. MÉTODOS:: Foram incluídos todos os pacientes tratados com ressecções pulmonares anatômicas por CTVA entre 2010 e 2015 e analisados dados clínicos e patológicos, assim como complicações pós-operatórias. RESULTADOS:: Foram realizadas 117 ressecções pulmonares por CTVA, sendo 98 lobectomias e 19 segmentectomias anatômicas. A média de idade foi de 63,6 anos (variação, 15-86 anos), sendo a maioria mulheres (n = 69; 59%). A média de tempo de permanência com dreno foi de 2,47 dias e a de estada em UTI foi de 1,88 dias. A média de tempo de internação foi de 4,48 dias. Sangramento ≥ 400 ml ocorreu em 15 pacientes. Houve conversão para toracotomia em 4 pacientes. CONCLUSÕES:: Nossos resultados vão ao encontro de publicações em grandes séries internacionais, corroborando que a CTVA é uma importante via de execução de ressecções pulmonares e que pode ser realizada com segurança quando há treinamento adequado, devendo ser mais utilizada no Brasil para o tratamento das doenças pulmonares.

Nocardia nova causing empyema necessitatis afterlung re-transplantation: a case report.

We report herein a case of thoracic infection due to Nocardia nova following lung re-transplantation performed for emphysema related to alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency. The infection extended from the lung into the pleural space, thoracic wall, and mediastinum, presenting as pericarditis and empyema necessitatis. Nocardia nova was identified by 16S ribosomal deoxyribonucleic acid (rDNA) sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. According to a literature search of PubMed, LILACS and MEDLINE databases, we describe herein the first case of empyema necessitatis caused by N. nova species in a transplanted patient.

Partial liquid ventilation with perfluorodecalin following unilateral canine lung allotransplantation in non-heart-beating donors.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate canine lungs obtained from non-heart-beating donors after unilateral lung transplantation subjected to partial liquid ventilation with perfluorodecalin. METHODS: Twelve donor dogs were killed and kept under mechanical ventilation for 3 hours. Heart-lung blocks were harvested after retrograde pulmonary hypothermic flush with Perfadex. Left lung grafts were randomly transplanted into 12 weight-matched recipient animals. Animals were divided into 2 groups: control (standard mechanical ventilation, n = 6) and PLV (partial liquid ventilation, n = 6). Forty-five minutes after transplantation, the animals in the PLV group received perfluorodecalin (15 ml/kg) via orotracheal tube. All animals received volume-controlled ventilation (FIO2) 1.0, PEEP 5 cm H(2)O) over 6 consecutive hours. Thereafter, blood-gas analysis, ventilatory mechanics and hemodynamics were registered at 30-minute intervals. After 6 hours of reperfusion the animals were killed and the transplanted lungs were extracted to obtain the wet/dry weight ratio. RESULTS: There were significant differences in pulmonary arterial pressure, which were higher in control group animals (p < 0.009). The control animals also showed higher arterial PaO(2) than those in the PLV group (p < 0.00001), but lower PaCO(2) (p < 0.008). The peak and plateau pressures were higher in the PLV group (p < 0.00001). Neither static compliance nor wet/dry weight ratios were different in between groups. CONCLUSIONS: PLV with perfluorodecalin yields functional results compatible with life in this model. Nonetheless, pulmonary gas exchange and mechanics were superior after reperfusion in animals given conventional mechanical ventilation up to 6 hours after left lung allotransplantation.

Impact of pulmonary rehabilitation on quality of life and functional capacity in patients on waiting lists for lung transplantation.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of a pulmonary rehabilitation program on the functional capacity and on the quality of life of patients on waiting lists for lung transplantation. METHODS: Patients on lung transplant waiting lists were referred to a pulmonary rehabilitation program consisting of 36 sessions. Before and after the program, participating patients were evaluated with the six-minute walk test and the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). The pulmonary rehabilitation program involved muscle strengthening exercises, aerobic training, clinical evaluation, psychiatric evaluation, nutritional counseling, social assistance, and educational lectures. RESULTS: Of the 112 patients initially referred to the program, 58 completed it. The mean age of the participants was 46 ± 14 years, and females accounted for 52%. Of those 58 patients, 37 (47%) had pulmonary fibrosis, 13 (22%) had pulmonary emphysema, and 18 (31%) had other types of advanced lung disease. The six-minute walk distance was significantly greater after the program than before (439 ± 114 m vs. 367 ± 136 m, p = 0.001), the mean increase being 72 m. There were significant point increases in the scores on the following SF-36 domains: physical functioning, up 22 (p = 0.001), role-physical, up 10 (p = 0.045); vitality, up 10 (p < 0.001); social functioning, up 15 (p = 0.001); and mental health, up 8 (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Pulmonary rehabilitation had a positive impact on exercise capacity and quality of life in patients on lung transplant waiting lists.

Anatomic pulmonary resection via video-assisted thoracic surgery: analysis of 117 cases at a referral center in Brazil / Ressecções pulmonares anatômicas por cirurgia torácica videoassistida: experiência de 117 casos em um centro de referência no Brasil

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe our experience with video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) for anatomic pulmonary resection at a referral center for thoracic surgery in Brazil. Methods: All patients who underwent anatomic pulmonary resection by VATS between 2010 and 2015 were included. Clinical and pathological data, as well as postoperative complications, were analyzed. Results: A total of 117 pulmonary resections by VATS were performed, of which 98 were lobectomies and 19 were anatomic segmentectomies. The mean age of the patients was 63.6 years (range, 15-86 years). Females predominated (n = 69; 59%). The mean time to chest tube removal was 2.47 days, and the mean length of ICU stay was 1.88 days. The mean length of hospital stay was 4.48 days. Bleeding ≥ 400 mL occurred in 15 patients. Conversion to thoracotomy was required in 4 patients. Conclusions: Our results are similar to those published in major international studies, indicating that VATS is an important strategy for pulmonary resection. They also show that VATS can be safely performed with adequate training. This technique should be used more often for the treatment of lung diseases in Brazil.

RESUMO Objetivo: Relatar a experiência com cirurgia torácica videoassistida (CTVA) para ressecções pulmonares anatômicas em um centro nacional de referência de cirurgia torácica no Brasil. Métodos: Foram incluídos todos os pacientes tratados com ressecções pulmonares anatômicas por CTVA entre 2010 e 2015 e analisados dados clínicos e patológicos, assim como complicações pós-operatórias. Resultados: Foram realizadas 117 ressecções pulmonares por CTVA, sendo 98 lobectomias e 19 segmentectomias anatômicas. A média de idade foi de 63,6 anos (variação, 15-86 anos), sendo a maioria mulheres (n = 69; 59%). A média de tempo de permanência com dreno foi de 2,47 dias e a de estada em UTI foi de 1,88 dias. A média de tempo de internação foi de 4,48 dias. Sangramento ≥ 400 ml ocorreu em 15 pacientes. Houve conversão para toracotomia em 4 pacientes. Conclusões: Nossos resultados vão ao encontro de publicações em grandes séries internacionais, corroborando que a CTVA é uma importante via de execução de ressecções pulmonares e que pode ser realizada com segurança quando há treinamento adequado, devendo ser mais utilizada no Brasil para o tratamento das doenças pulmonares.

Nocardia nova causing empyema necessitatis afterlung re-transplantation: a case report

Abstract: We report herein a case of thoracic infection due to Nocardia nova following lung re-transplantation performed for emphysema related to alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency. The infection extended from the lung into the pleural space, thoracic wall, and mediastinum, presenting as pericarditis and empyema necessitatis. Nocardia nova was identified by 16S ribosomal deoxyribonucleic acid (rDNA) sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. According to a literature search of PubMed, LILACS and MEDLINE databases, we describe herein the first case of empyema necessitatis caused by N. nova species in a transplanted patient.

[Surgical treatment of congenital lung malformations in pediatric patients]. / Tratamento cirúrgico das malformações pulmonares congênitas em pacientes pediátricos.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the main congenital lung malformations treated and the principal diagnostic methods employed, as well as the indications for surgical treatment and the results obtained, at a referral facility for pediatric thoracic surgery. METHODS: We reviewed the medical charts of 52 patients anatomopathologically diagnosed with congenital lung malformations and who had been submitted to pulmonary resection between January of 1997 and December of 2006. Exclusion criteria were age > 12 years and incomplete clinical data. The final sample comprised 35 patients. RESULTS: In this sample, the mean age was 31 months, and there was a predominance of males (n = 21). The anatomopathological findings were cystic adenomatoid malformation (n = 14), congenital lobar emphysema (n = 13), pulmonary sequestration (n = 8) and arteriovenous malformation (n = 1). The most common type of lung resection was left lower lobectomy (in 25.71%) followed by different types of segmentectomy (in 22.85%), left upper lobectomy (in 22.85%), right upper lobectomy (in 14.28%), right lower lobectomy (in 8.57%) and middle lobectomy (in 5.71%). Of the 35 patients, 34 (97.14%) were submitted to closed pleural drainage, with a mean duration of thoracic drainage of 3.9 days. Ten patients (28.5%) presented with postoperative complications. There were no deaths in our sample. CONCLUSIONS: Pulmonary resection for the treatment of congenital lung malformations is a safe procedure, presenting low morbidity and no mortality at a referral facility for pediatric thoracic surgery.

Synchronous pulmonary and hepatic nodules in a patient with previous bronchogenic carcinoma: the relevance of histopathological confirmation.

The synchronous presentation of pulmonary and hepatic nodules in a patient with previously resected bronchogenic carcinoma raises suspicion of recurrence and mandates restaging. We present the case of a 71-year-old male with a history of lobectomy with pericardial resection and mediastinal lymphadenectomy (T3N0M0). At five years after the operation, he presented with a new pulmonary lesion. Restaging detected a synchronous nodule in the liver. Despite the strong suspicion of tumor recurrence, further investigation with a percutaneous liver biopsy revealed hepatocellular carcinoma. In order to investigate the etiology of the pulmonary lesion (hypotheses of recurrent bronchial cancer and of metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma), an open lung biopsy was performed, which revealed chronic inflammatory tissue with foci of anthracosis and dystrophic calcification. The patient was submitted to a non-anatomic resection of the liver lesion. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 10. This report highlights the relevance of the histopathological diagnosis in patients with a history of bronchogenic carcinoma and suspicion of tumor recurrence. Differential diagnoses and the treatment administered are discussed.

[Isolated mediastinal cystic lymphangioma]. / Linfangioma cístico isolado do mediastino.

A 59 years old female patient, asymptomatic, with the incidental finding of an ovarian tumor in her routine gynecological evaluation, and during the preoperative examinations it was incidentally found an isolated mediastinal tumor, and then routed to diagnostic evaluation of the lesion, which later proved to be a cystic lymphangioma. The cystic hygroma of the mediastinum is a benign tumor and very infrequent, representing only 0.7 to 4.5% of all mediastinal tumors, and of these, only 1% is exclusively mediastinal in location. The definitive diagnosis is only possible by pathological examination, and the recommended treatment consists of complete surgical resection. Cases are described in isolated reports or series with few patients, and their readiness or synchronicity with other tumors, unknown, and to the best of out knowledge, not reported yet.

Surgical maneuvers for the management of bronchial complications in lung transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Many advances have substantially improved the clinical results of lung transplantation. However, the incidence of bronchial complications is still high, with significant impact on survival and limited interventional strategies for complex cases. Our aim is to evaluate the surgical management of bronchial complications following lung transplantation. METHODS: From May 1989 to June 2007, 251 patients were submitted to lung transplantation at our institution. In five cases, the bronchial complications observed were dealt with open surgical procedures. RESULTS: Complications surgically dealt were one broncho-arterial fistula and four stenosis. One left upper sleeve lobectomy, one right upper sleeve lobectomy and three segmental bronchial resections with anastomosis were performed. In all five cases the surgical procedure was successful and optimal bronchial healing was observed. Three patients died due to causes unrelated to the bronchial anastomosis 5, 21 and 32 months after the bronchoplastic procedure. Two patients are still alive and functionally well at 52 and 70 months post-bronchoplasty. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical management of bronchial complications after lung transplantation may be the last resort in complex, recalcitrant cases, nevertheless it is a feasible procedure and can provide good results not only on short- but also long-term follow-up.

[Reversal of digital clubbing in surgically treated lung cancer patients]. / Regressão do hipocratismo digital em pacientes com câncer de pulmão tratados cirurgicamente.

OBJECTIVE: To objectively evaluate the reversal of digital clubbing (DC) in a series of surgically treated lung cancer patients, and to review the literature on the subject. METHODS: Sixty-one patients with non-small cell lung cancer--40 with and 21 without DC--were treated by pulmonary resection. Eleven (18%) received additional postoperative radiation therapy. Preoperatively, as well as on postoperative days 7, 18, and 90, the hyponychial angle (HA) and the distal phalangeal depth/interphalangeal depth (DPD/IPD) ratio were determined on profile shadow projections of the index fingers. A review of the literature on reversal of DC (1954-2007) was also performed. RESULTS: From the preoperative period to postoperative day 90, HA decreased from 200.5 +/- 5.0 masculine to 193.3 +/- 6.8 masculine (p < 0.001), and the DPD/IPD ratio decreased from 1.014 +/- 0.051 mm to 0.956 +/- 0.045 mm (p < 0.001) in the group of 40 patients with DC. The HA and the DPD/IPD ratio decreased in 33 (82.5%) but remained the same in 7 (1.7%), 6 with unfavorable evolution. In the 21 patients without DC, HA (184.5 +/- 5.5 masculine) and the DPD/IPD ratio (0.937 +/- 0.046 mm) remained unchanged after surgery. In the literature (1954-2007), we found 52 cases, 5 of which were lung cancer cases, in which reversal of DC, observed in several clinical conditions, was explicitly reported. CONCLUSION: In most lung cancer patients, DC resolves after effective surgical treatment of the tumor, as can occur in patients with other conditions.

Prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux in lung transplant candidates with advanced lung disease.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the esophageal function profile and the prevalence of gastro-esophageal reflux (GER) in lung transplant candidates. METHODS: From July of 2005 to November of 2006, a prospective study was conducted involving 55 candidates for lung transplantation at the Santa Casa de Misericórdia Hospital in Porto Alegre, Brazil. Prior to transplantation, patients underwent outpatient stationary esophageal manometry and 24-h esophageal pH-metry using one and two electrodes. RESULTS: Abnormal esophageal manometry was documented in 80% of the patients, and 24% of the patients presented pathological acid reflux. Digestive symptoms presented sensitivity and specificity for GER of 50% and 61%, respectively. Of the patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 94% presented abnormal esophageal manometry, and 80% presented lower esophageal sphincter hypotonia, making it the most common finding. Patients with bronchiectasis presented the highest prevalence of GER (50%). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with advanced lung disease, GER is highly prevalent. In the population studied, digestive symptoms of GER were not predictive of pathological acid reflux. The role that GER plays in chronic rejection should be examined and clarified in future studies.

Impact of pulmonary rehabilitation on quality of life and functional capacity in patients on waiting lists for lung transplantation / Impacto da reabilitacao pulmonar na qualidade de vida e na capacidade funcional de pacientes em lista de espera para transplante pulmonar

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of a pulmonary rehabilitation program on the functional capacity and on the quality of life of patients on waiting lists for lung transplantation. METHODS: Patients on lung transplant waiting lists were referred to a pulmonary rehabilitation program consisting of 36 sessions. Before and after the program, participating patients were evaluated with the six-minute walk test and the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). The pulmonary rehabilitation program involved muscle strengthening exercises, aerobic training, clinical evaluation, psychiatric evaluation, nutritional counseling, social assistance, and educational lectures. RESULTS: Of the 112 patients initially referred to the program, 58 completed it. The mean age of the participants was 46 ± 14 years, and females accounted for 52%. Of those 58 patients, 37 (47%) had pulmonary fibrosis, 13 (22%) had pulmonary emphysema, and 18 (31%) had other types of advanced lung disease. The six-minute walk distance was significantly greater after the program than before (439 ± 114 m vs. 367 ± 136 m, p = 0.001), the mean increase being 72 m. There were significant point increases in the scores on the following SF-36 domains: physical functioning, up 22 (p = 0.001), role-physical, up 10 (p = 0.045); vitality, up 10 (p < 0.001); social functioning, up 15 (p = 0.001); and mental health, up 8 (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Pulmonary rehabilitation had a positive impact on exercise capacity and quality of life in patients on lung transplant waiting lists. .

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o impacto de um programa de reabilitação pulmonar na capacidade funcional e na qualidade de vida de pacientes em lista de espera para transplante pulmonar. MÉTODOS: Pacientes em lista de espera para transplante pulmonar encaminhados a um programa de reabilitação pulmonar de 36 sessões. Os participantes foram avaliados no início e no final desse com o teste de caminhada de seis minutos (TC6) e com o questionário de qualidade de vida Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). O programa de reabilitação pulmonar foi composto por exercícios de fortalecimento muscular, treinamento aeróbico, acompanhamento clínico e psiquiátrico, acompanhamento nutricional, assistência social e palestras educacionais. RESULTADOS: Dos 112 pacientes encaminhados, 58 completaram o programa. A média de idade dos participantes foi de 46 ± 14 anos; sendo 52% do sexo feminino. Entre esses pacientes, 37 (47%) eram portadores de fibrose pulmonar, 13 (22%) tinham enfisema pulmonar, e 18 (31%), tinham outras doenças pulmonares em fase avançada. Houve uma melhora significativa na distância percorrida no TC6 ao final do programa (367 ± 136 m vs. 439 ± 114 m; p = 0,001), com um aumento médio de 72 m. Houve aumentos significativos nas pontuações dos seguintes domínios do SF-36: capacidade funcional, 22 pontos (p = 0,001); aspectos físicos, 10 (p = 0,045); vitalidade, 10 (p < 0,001); aspectos sociais, 15 (p = 0,001); e saúde mental, 8 (p = 0,001). CONCLUSÕES: O programa de reabilitação pulmonar teve um impacto positivo na capacidade de exercício e na qualidade de vida nos pacientes em lista de espera para transplante pulmonar. .

Complications related to lobectomy in living lobar lung transplant donors.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate post-operative complications in living lobar lung transplant donors. METHODS: Between September of 1999 and May of 2005, lobectomies were performed in 32 healthy lung transplant donors for 16 recipients. The medical charts of these donors were retrospectively analyzed in order to determine the incidence of postoperative complications and alterations in pulmonary function after lobectomy. RESULTS: Twenty-two donors (68.75%) presented no complications. Among the 10 donors presenting complications, the most frequently observed complication was pleural effusion, which occurred in 5 donors (15.6% of the sample). Red blood cell transfusion was necessary in 3 donors (9.3%), and 2 donors underwent a second surgical procedure due to hemothorax. One donor presented pneumothorax after chest tube removal, and one developed respiratory infection. There were two intra-operative complications (6.25%): one donor required bronchoplasty of the middle lobe; and another required lingular resection. No intra-operative mortality was observed. Post-operative pulmonary function tests demonstrated an average reduction of 20% in forced expiratory volume in one second (p < 000.1) compared to pre-operative values. CONCLUSIONS: Lobectomy in living lung transplant donors presents high risk of post-operative complications and irreversible impairment of pulmonary function. Careful pre-operative evaluation is necessary in order to reduce the incidence of complications in living lobar lung transplant donors.

Sobrevida de 12 anos do primeiro transplante pulmonar pediátrico intervivos do Brasil / Twelve-year survival of the first living-donor pediatric lung transplantation in Brazil

OBJETIVO: Apresentar o acompanhamento a longo prazo do primeiro caso de transplante pulmonar intervivos realizado na América Latina. DESCRIÇÃO: Paciente do sexo masculino, com 12 anos de idade, portador de bronquiolite obliterante com doença pulmonar avançada. Fazia uso de oxigênio domiciliar contínuo, com dispneia aos mínimos esforços. Foi submetido a transplante pulmonar bilateral com doadores vivos. A cirurgia foi realizada utilizando os lobos inferiores esquerdo e direito de dois doadores diferentes e com grau de parentesco com o receptor. No segundo lado (direito), foi necessário emprego de circulação extracorpórea. O transplante não teve intercorrências, e o paciente foi extubado com 14 horas de pós-operatório; com 44 dias, recebeu alta hospitalar, após a resolução de complicações infecciosas, imunológicas e medicamentosas. Após 12 anos de seguimento, encontra-se com função pulmonar preservada e desempenha normalmente suas atividades. COMENTÁRIOS: O transplante pulmonar intervivos é um procedimento de alta complexidade que pode contribuir para o tratamento de algumas pneumopatias na infância. Essa população se beneficia dessa abordagem, uma vez que a disponibilidade de doadores pediátricos é muito rara, e as pneumopatias pediátricas tendem a seguir um curso imprevisível.

OBJECTIVE: To report the long-term follow-up of the first living-donor lobar lung transplantation performed in Latin America. DESCRIPTION: The patient was a 12-year-old boy with post-infectious obliterative bronchiolitis with end-stage pulmonary disease. He was on continuous oxygen support, presenting with dyspnea even during minimal activity. He underwent bilateral lobar lung transplantation with living donors. The procedure was performed with the left and right lower lobes of two different related donors. In the second side cardiopulmonary bypass was required. The transplant was uneventful, and the patient was extubated after 14 hours and discharged with 44 days, after resolution of infectious, immunological and drug-related complications. After 12 years of follow-up, he presents with adequate lung function and has resumed his habitual activities. COMMENTS: Living-donor lobar lung transplantation is a complex procedure feasible for the treatment of selected pediatric end-stage pulmonary disease. This particular population might benefit from this approach since the availability of pediatric donors is very scarce and the clinical course of pediatric advanced pulmonary disease may be unpredictable.

Pulmonary blastoma: treatment through sleeve resection of the right upper lobe.

Pulmonary blastoma is a rare lung tumor that is composed of malignant epithelial and mesenchymal cells. It presents a pattern of rapid growth. Herein, we report the case of a patient with hemoptysis and a mass in the right upper lobe. The patient presented limited pulmonary function, and fiberoptic bronchoscopy revealed invasion of the intermediate bronchus. The patient underwent sleeve resection of right upper lobe, a technique never before described. After 36 months of follow-up, the patient remained asymptomatic. We also review the literature regarding treatment, clinical aspects and pathology.

Lung abscess: analysis of 252 consecutive cases diagnosed between 1968 and 2004.

OBJECTIVE: To relate the experience of the staff at a health care facility specializing in the management of patients with aspiration lung abscess. METHODS: Diagnostic aspects and therapeutic results of 252 consecutive cases of lung abscess seen in patients hospitalized between 1968 and 2004. RESULTS: Of the 252 patients, 209 were male, and 43 were female. The mean age was 41.4 years, and 70.2% were alcoholic. Cough, expectoration, fever and overall poor health were seen over 97% of patients. Chest pain was reported by 64%, 30.2% presented digital clubbing, 82.5% had dental disease, 78.6% reported having lost consciousness at least once, and 67.5% presented foul smelling sputum. In 85.3% of the patients, the lung lesions were located either in the posterior segments of the upper lobe or in the superior segments of the lower lobe, and 96.8% were unilateral. Concomitant pleural empyema was seen in 24 (9.5%) of the patients. Mixed flora was identified in the bronchopulmonary or pleural secretions of 182 patients (72.2%). All patients were initially treated with antibiotics (mainly penicillin or clindamycin), and postural drainage was performed in 98.4% of cases. Surgical procedures were performed in 52 (20.6%) of the patients (drainage of empyema in 24, pulmonary resection in 22 and drainage of the abscess in 6). Cure was obtained in 242 patients (96.0%), and 10 (4.0%) died. CONCLUSION: Lung abscess occurred predominantly in male adults presenting dental disease and having a history of loss of consciousness (especially as a result of alcohol abuse). Most of the patients were treated clinically with antibiotics and postural drainage, although some surgical procedure was required in one-fifth of the study sample.