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Successful Medical Management of Pulmonary Gangrene in a Transplanted Lung
Jodi Kurtz1, Connor Maloney1, Tracy Eastman1
1William S. Middleton Veterans Hospital, Lung Transplant Program Madison, Madison, Wisconsin.
Abstract:
Pulmonary gangrene (PG) is a potentially devastating complication of necrotizing pneumonia. We describe successful nonsurgical management of PG in a lung transplant recipient. The patient presented with symptoms and imaging consistent with pneumonia. Bronchoalveolar lavage cultures demonstrated polymicrobial growth and antibiotic treatments were tailored. Imaging demonstrated a large cavitary lesion with intracavitary lung tissue consistent with PG. Prolonged antibiotic therapy resulted in clinical improvement and radiographic resolution.
Insights
Pulmonary gangrene (PG) in a lung transplant patient was successfully managed without surgery. Prolonged antibiotic therapy led to significant clinical improvement and radiographic resolution of the condition.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Transplant Surgery
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Pulmonary gangrene (PG) is a severe complication of necrotizing pneumonia.
- Lung transplant recipients are susceptible to serious pulmonary infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the successful nonsurgical management of pulmonary gangrene in a lung transplant recipient.
Main Methods:
- A lung transplant recipient presented with pneumonia symptoms and imaging findings.
- Bronchoalveolar lavage identified polymicrobial infections, guiding tailored antibiotic therapy.
- Imaging revealed a large cavitary lesion indicative of PG.
Main Results:
- The patient received prolonged, targeted antibiotic treatment.
- Nonsurgical management resulted in clinical improvement.
- Radiographic resolution of the pulmonary gangrene was achieved.
Conclusions:
- Nonsurgical management with prolonged antibiotics can be effective for pulmonary gangrene in lung transplant patients.
- This approach offers a viable alternative to surgery in select cases.
