Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 19, 2026
Donor Posterior Atrial Flap Rotation for Left Atrial Cuff Reconstruction in Lung Transplantation
Published on: October 11, 2024
Combined Heart-Lung Transplant for Pulmonary Artery Aneurysm Secondary to Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Ajay P Kerai1, A Cozette Killian2, Charles W Hoopes3
1Department of Advanced Heart Failure and Transplantation Cardiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.
Background:
Pulmonary artery aneurysms (PAAs) are rare occurring in approximately 1 in 14,000 cases. While PAA is frequently associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), the optimal management strategy remains undefined due to the rarity of the disease.
Case Summary:
We report a case of a 58-year-old female with longstanding idiopathic PAH who underwent combined heart-lung transplantation to treat a rapidly expanding 8.95-cm PAA with associated cor pulmonale and severe pulmonic valve regurgitation. Graft function remained excellent; however, an ischemic stroke in the postoperative period led to significant morbidity.
Discussion:
Despite the known association of PAA with PAH, specific treatment guidelines are lacking. Delay in intervention can lead to poor surgical candidacy and adverse outcomes.
Take-Home Messages:
PAA may progress despite stable PAH hemodynamics. Combined heart-lung transplantation can be a viable option for select patients with severe PAH, giant PAA, cor pulmonale, and severe pulmonic valve regurgitation.
