[Pulmonary torsion complicating lobectomy: report of 2 cases]

We report 2 cases of pulmonary torsion discovered during the early postoperative recovery of patients who had undergone lobectomy. Early diagnosis, based on chest radiography and confirmed by computed tomography, meant we were able to avoid major surgical resection and the development of further complications. Pulmonary torsion is a rare but potentially serious abnormality. Prompt diagnosis is the key to preventing tissue injury and complications such as necrotizing pneumonitis, thromboembolic disease, or septic shock. Among the diagnostic tests that can be carried out if there is good reason to suspect torsion, we emphasize simple chest radiography and fiberoptic bronchoscopy, supported by computed tomography or arteriography, even though a firm diagnosis requires surgical exploration of the affected lung. Definitive treatments range from reversing the torsion and securing the lung to resecting the lung if the parenchymal tissue has been fully compromised.