Recovery of lung perfusion after sleeve resection for tuberculous bronchial stenosis

Abstract

Parenchyma-sparing main bronchial sleeve resection is a safe and effective procedure to restore impaired lung function. We present a case illustrating recovery of lung perfusion in a 24-year-old woman with dyspnea on exertion because of bronchial tuberculosis. Bronchoscopic examination revealed pin-hole stenosis of the left main bronchial orifice. 99mTc-macroaggregated albumin perfusion scanning revealed essentially absent left lung perfusion. Because of bronchomalacia in the distal portion, six rings of the left main bronchus were resected by carinoplasty. Symptoms abated and perfusion recovered to a large extent 2 months later. She became pregnant and delivered successfully 12 months postoperatively.