Resolution of native lung pneumothorax by insertion of a nitinol stent for bronchostenosis in the transplanted lung

Abstract

Following single lung transplantation, the native lung remains a potential source of morbidity from spontaneous pneumothorax, hyperinflation, bacterial and fungal infection and malignancy. The case of a single lung transplant recipient for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis who developed a recurrent, non-resolving, spontaneous multiloculated pneumothorax in the native lung following thoracoscopic talc pleurodesis is reported. The pneumothorax ultimately resolved following insertion of a nitinol stent for coexisting bronchostenosis in the transplanted lung. In a single lung transplantation recipient in whom a native lung pneumothorax reoccurs or persists despite appropriate initial management, it may be useful to undertake bronchoscopy to exclude the possibility of bronchostenosis in the transplanted lung.