Efficacy of Three-Dimensional Computed Tomography Volumetry for Recipients in Downsizing Oversized Grafts in Brain-Dead Donor Lung Transplantation

Abstract

Purpose Brain-dead donor lung transplantation frequently requires reduction in the size of oversized lung grafts for patients with a small chest cavity. We focused on the role of three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) volumetry for recipients on downsizing oversized lung grafts. Methods We performed 53 brain-dead donor bilateral lung transplantations, including 15 lobar lung transplants (Lobar group) and 38 standard lung transplants with full-sized grafts (Full group), between December 2010 and December 2018. Recipient chest volume before transplantation was measured using 3D-CT volumetry, and donor lung volume was evaluated by predicted total lung capacity. Post-transplant outcomes and pulmonary function were retrospectively compared between the groups. Results The ratio of the recipient chest volume to the donor lung volume was significantly lower in the Lobar group (0.42±0.15) than in the Full group (0.77±0.30, P Conclusion Brain-dead donor lobar lung transplantation showed favorable post-transplant outcomes. The assessment of recipient chest cavity volume using 3D-CT volumetry may help surgeons precisely downsize oversized lung grafts prior to transplantation.