Abstract
A current problem after single lung transplantation is the evaluation of graft function during various pathologic conditions of the transplanted lung. In 10 single lung recipients, of which six had a parenchymal lung disease, and four pulmonary hypertension, relative perfusion of the transplanted lung (Qtx) was determined with multidetector 133-Xe radiospirometry. The determinations were performed seven times during acute rejection, nine times during infection, and four times during simultaneous rejection and infection. In the patients with a follow-up period over 5 months, the effect of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome on perfusion was assessed as well. Statistically significant decrease in the Qtx was observed during acute rejection, whereas the perfusion change during infection was not significant. The Qtx tended to decrease during long-term follow-up, and the decrease was more prominent in the patients who developed bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome. The assessment of the Qtx with radiospirometry distinguishes acute rejection from infection and can be used for differential diagnostic aid after single lung transplantation.
