Utilization of Quantitative Computed Tomography Assessment to Identify Bronchiolitis Obliterans Syndrome After Single Lung Transplantation.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate quantitative chest computed tomography (CT) methods for the detection of air trapping (AT) and to assess its diagnostic performance for the diagnosis of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) in single lung transplant (SLT) patients. METHODS: Adult patients who had a SLT at a single transplant center and underwent CT scan after transplantation were retrospectively included. CT findings of air trapping were measured by three different methods: expiratory air-trapping index (ATIexp), mean lung density on expiratory acquisition (MLDexp) and expiratory to inspiratory ratio of mean lung density (E/I-ratio(MLD). Sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of the three methods for the detection of BOS status evaluated by serial routine measures of pulmonary function tests (gold standard) were assessed. RESULTS: Forty-six SLT patients (52.2% females, mean age 58 ± 6 years) were included in the analysis, 12 (26%) patients with a diagnosis of BOS. Quantitative CT diagnosis of AT ranged from 26 to 35%. Sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of each method for the detection of BOS were 85.7%, 84.7% and 85.0% for ATIexp, 78.5%, 93.4% and 90.0% for MLD and 64.2%, 89.1% and 83.3% E/I-ratio(MLD), respectively. CONCLUSION: Quantitative measures of AT obtained from standard CT are feasible and show high specificity and accuracy for the detection of BOS in SLT patients.

Pulmonary rehabilitation improves survival in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis undergoing lung transplantation.

This study was conducted to evaluate whether a pulmonary rehabilitation program (PRP) is independently associated with survival in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) undergoing lung transplant (LTx). This quasi-experimental study included 89 patients who underwent LTx due to IPF. Thirty-two completed all 36 sessions in a PRP while on the waiting list for LTx (PRP group), and 53 completed fewer than 36 sessions (controls). Survival after LTx was the main outcome; invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), length of stay (LOS) in intensive care unit (ICU) and in hospital were secondary outcomes. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression models were used in survival analyses. Cox regression models showed that the PRP group had a reduced 54.0% (hazard ratio = 0.464, 95% confidence interval 0.222-0.970, p = 0.041) risk of death. A lower number of patients in the PRP group required IMV for more than 24 hours after LTx (9.0% vs. 41.6% p = 0.001). This group also spent a mean of 5 days less in the ICU (p = 0.004) and 5 days less in hospital (p = 0.046). In conclusion, PRP PRP completion halved the risk of cumulative mortality in patients with IPF undergoing unilateral LTx.

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.

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.

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.

Twelve-year survival of the first living-donor pediatric lung transplantation in Brazil.

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.

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.

Prognostic factors in lung transplantation: the Santa Casa de Porto Alegre experience.

BACKGROUND: Lung transplantation (LT) has been established as a current therapy for selected patients with end-stage lung disease. Different prognostic factors have been reported by transplant centers. The objective of this study is to report our recent results with LT and to search for prognostic factors. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of 130 patients who underwent LT at our institution from January 2004 to July 2009. Donor, recipient, intraoperative, and postoperative variables were collected. RESULTS: The mean age was 53.14 years (ranging from 8 to 72 years) and 80 (61.5%) were male. The main causes of end-stage respiratory disease were pulmonary fibrosis 53 (40.7%) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease 52 (40%). The actuarial 1-year survival was 67.7%. Variables correlated with survival were age (P=0.004), distance in the 6-min walk test (P=0.007), coronary heart disease (P=0.001), cardiopulmonary bypass (P=0.02), intraoperative transfusion of red blood cells (P=0.016), increasing central venous pressure at 24th postoperative hour (P=0.001), increasing pulmonary capillary wedge pressure at 24th postoperative hour (P=0.01); length of intubation (P<0.01), reintubation (P=0.001), length of intensive care unit stay (P<0.001), abdominal complication (P=0.003), acute renal failure requiring dialysis (P<0.001), native lung hyperinflation (P=0.02), and acute rejection in the first month (P=0.03). In multivariate analysis, only dialysis (P=0.004, hazards ratio [HR] 2.68), length of intubation (P=0.004, HR 1.002 for each hour), and reintubation (P=0.003, HR 2.88) proved to be independent predictors. CONCLUSION: Analysis of variables in our cohort highlighted dialysis, longer mechanical ventilation requirement, and reintubation as independent prognostic factors in LT.

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.

Nódulo sincrônico pulmonar e hepático em paciente com antecedente de carcinoma broncogênico: a importância da confirmação histopatológica / Synchronous pulmonary and hepatic nodules in a patient with previous bronchogenic carcinoma: the relevance of histopathological confirmation

A apresentação de lesão sincrônica pulmonar e hepática em um paciente com antecedente de carcinoma broncogênico operado gera a suspeita de recidiva tumoral e indica a necessidade de re-estadiamento. Apresentamos o caso de um paciente de 71 anos submetido à lobectomia pulmonar com ressecção de pericárdio e linfadenectomia mediastinal (T3N0M0). Cinco anos após a cirurgia, detectou-se a presença de uma nova lesão pulmonar. No re-estadiamento, foi diagnosticada uma lesão sincrônica no fígado. Apesar da forte suspeita de recidiva tumoral, prosseguiu-se a investigação e uma punção hepática revelou carcinoma hepatocelular. Para esclarecer a etiologia da lesão pulmonar (hipóteses de recidiva de carcinoma brônquico ou de metástase de carcinoma hepatocelular), foi realizada uma biópsia a céu aberto, compatível com reação inflamatória crônica com focos de antracose e de calcificação distrófica. O paciente foi então submetido à ressecção hepática não-regrada com intuito curativo. Teve boa evolução, com alta no 10º dia de pós-operatório. O presente relato destaca a importância do diagnóstico histopatológico em pacientes com antecedente de carcinoma broncogênico e suspeita de recidiva. Hipóteses diagnósticas e condutas terapêuticas são discutidas.

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.

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.

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.

Complicações relacionadas à lobectomia em doadores de transplante pulmonar intervivos / Complications related to lobectomy in living lobar lung transplant donors

OBJETIVO: Avaliar as complicações pós-operatórias imediatas de doadores vivos de lobos pulmonares para transplante. MÉTODOS: Entre setembro de 1999 e maio de 2005 foram realizadas lobectomias em 32 doadores saudáveis para transplante pulmonar em 16 receptores. Os prontuários médicos destes doadores foram analisados retrospectivamente para verificar a incidência de complicações pós-operatórias e as alterações da função pulmonar após a lobectomia. RESULTADOS: Vinte e dois doadores (68,75 por cento) não apresentaram complicações. Entre os 10 casos que apresentaram alguma complicação o derrame pleural foi a mais freqüente, ocorrendo em 5 deles (15,6 por cento da amostra). Três doadores (9,3 por cento) necessitaram de transfusão de hemácias e, em 2 casos, foi necessária nova intervenção cirúrgica devido a hemotórax. Um doador apresentou pneumotórax após a retirada do dreno de tórax e houve um caso de infecção respiratória. Ocorreram duas intercorrências intra-operatórias (6,25 por cento): em um doador foi realizada broncoplastia do lobo médio; em outro, foi necessária a ressecção da língula. Não houve mortalidade cirúrgica nesta série. As provas de função pulmonar do pós-operatório demonstraram uma redução média de 20 por cento no volume expiratório forçado no primeiro segundo (p < 000,1), em comparação com os valores verificados antes da cirurgia. CONCLUSÕES: A lobectomia em doadores pulmonares vivos para transplante apresenta elevado risco de complicações pós-operatórias e resulta em perda definitiva da função pulmonar Uma cuidadosa avaliação pré-operatória faz-se necessária para reduzir a incidência de complicações nos doadores vivos de lobos pulmonares para transplante.

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 percent) presented no complications. Among the 10 donors presenting complications, the most frequently observed complication was pleural effusion, which occurred in 5 donors (15.6 percent of the sample). Red blood cell transfusion was necessary in 3 donors (9.3 percent), 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 percent): 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 percent 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.

Intoxicação aguda pelo herbicida paraquat: estamos subestimando sua gravidade? / Intoxication due to Paraquat: are we minimizing the problem?

Os autores apresentam um caso de intoxicação aguda por paraquat, em paciente com dosagens urinárias precoces positivas para o agente, com evolução inicial favorável, desenvolvendo fibrose pulmonar e falência de múltiplos órgãos mais tardiamente. A evolução pode parecer benigna de início mas após alguns dias pode evoluir com fibrose pulmonar irreversível e morte. Esta situação torna-se relevante na medida em que mesmo doses muito baixas de paraquat, um produto amplamente difundido no meio agrícola, podem causar acidentes fatais. São revisados aspectos clínicos e farmacológicos da intoxicação, bem como manejo preconizado para esses casos, enfatizando a necessidade de uso precoce de hemoperfusão com filtro de carvão ativado