Single Lung Transplantation for Pulmonary Fibrosis Secondary to COVID-19

Abstract

IntroductionAs of April 2021, 78 lung transplants (LTx) were performed for a diagnosis of COVID-19: 50 for COVID-19 ARDS and 28 for pulmonary fibrosis. Bilateral LTx has been recommended as many patients develop significant pulmonary hypertension. Additionally, native lung explants may include cavitary areas of pneumonia, which could serve as a nidus for infection. Single LTx (SLTx) can be considered in patients who have chronic pulmonary fibrosis secondary to COVID-19 with a short window to receive a transplant, or who would otherwise be considered for a single lung. There have been no published cases of a single lung transplant for COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis. We present a case of a patient with pulmonary fibrosis from COVID-19 who underwent SLTx.Case ReportA 70yo male with O+ blood type was hospitalized 8/2020 to 10/2020 with COVID-19 pneumonia, treated with Remdesivir and Tocilizumab. He had hypoxia but never required intubation. His course was complicated by bilateral pneumothoraces requiring chest tubes. He developed pulmonary fibrosis requiring 6 L of oxygen at rest. CT scan of his chest showed multifocal, peripheral prominent ground glass opacities and interlobal septal thickening with traction bronchiectasis. Ventilation-perfusion scan demonstrated 22% perfusion to the left lung and 78% to the right lung. Right heart catheterization showed pulmonary artery pressures of 36/12 mmHg. His pulmonary function test was suggestive of restrictive disease (FEV 0.81 L [30%], FVC 0.96 L [27%], and FEV1/FVC 85%) that had worsened over time. He was presented at multidisciplinary review board with recommendation to list for left SLTx, which was activated August 2021. The patient was admitted in September 2021 and underwent left single lung transplant via left anterolateral thoracotomy, off cardiopulmonary bypass. Total ischemia time was 3:54. Explant pathology showed end stage pulmonary fibrosis. The patient was extubated on postoperative day 1 with an uneventful postoperative course. He was discharged to skilled nursing facility on postoperative day 26 for rehabilitation.SummarySLTxp is safe and feasible for COVID-19 related pulmonary fibrosis in well-selected patients who have a short window to receive a transplant.