Use of the flow-volume loop in the diagnosis of bronchial stenosis after single lung transplantation

Chest. 1994 Mar;105(3):934-6. doi: 10.1378/chest.105.3.934.

Abstract

Bronchial complications, including stricture, stenosis, and/or anastomotic dehiscence, are a major cause of morbidity following single lung transplantation. This report describes a 19-year-old man with a diagnosis of end-stage pulmonary fibrosis secondary to prior chemotherapy for non-Hodgkins lymphoma who underwent single lung transplantation. The immunosuppressive regimen included cyclosporine, azathioprine, and methylprednisolone sodium succinate (Solu-Medrol) intravenously for six doses during the first 3 days postoperatively followed by oral prednisone. Sixteen weeks following transplantation, the patient complained of dyspnea. Spirometry revealed a decrease in FEF25-75 and the flow-volume curve demonstrated a bioconcave appearance. The flow-volume loop showed a relatively high initial flow phase occurring over the first 2 to 3 s followed by a low-flow phase. The expiratory phase also showed the same characteristics. Bronchoscopy revealed 75 percent stenosis of the bronchial lumen to the transplanted lung. A transbronchial biopsy specimen obtained at that time was consistent with acute rejection. The patient was treated with a methylprednisolone bolus. A repeated bronchoscopy showed the persistence of stenosis distal to the anastomosis. The patient underwent several bronchoplastic balloon dilatations without complete resolution of the stenosis and a stainless steel mesh stent was placed. Repeated spirometry showed marked improvement of the FEF25-75 and normalization of the flow-volume loop. We conclude that the flow-volume loop curve is a noninvasive procedure that may help monitor the patency of the bronchial anastomoses following single lung transplantation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bleomycin / adverse effects
  • Bronchial Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Bronchial Diseases / therapy
  • Constriction, Pathologic / diagnosis
  • Constriction, Pathologic / therapy
  • Humans
  • Lung Transplantation*
  • Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / drug therapy
  • Male
  • Maximal Expiratory Flow-Volume Curves
  • Postoperative Complications / diagnosis*
  • Postoperative Complications / therapy
  • Pulmonary Fibrosis / chemically induced
  • Pulmonary Fibrosis / surgery
  • Stents

Substances

  • Bleomycin