Breathlessness After Pneumonectomy: Consider Postpneumonectomy Syndrome

Abstract

A 59-year-old woman presented with increasing breathlessness several weeks after right pneumonectomy. Imaging confirmed features of postpneumonectomy syndrome with marked mediastinal shift, and compression of the left main bronchus and pulmonary vein. The mediastinum was repositioned by insertion of saline-filled prostheses into the pneumonectomy space with symptomatic and radiologic improvement. Clinicians caring for patients after pneumonectomy should be aware of this rare but treatable complication.