Severe gastroparesis causing postoperative respiratory complications in a heart-lung recipient.

Abstract

Heart-lung transplantation is reserved for selected patients who have end-stage cardiac and pulmonary disease. Gastroparesis, which is associated with aspiration, is commonly seen after transplantation. Here, we present a case in which gastric contents aspiration leads to Pseudomonas aeruginosa pulmonary infection, 11 months after the heart lung transplantation. We strongly recommend that early diagnosis and aggressive management of post-transplantation gastroparesis is essential to prevent lung allograft injury and pulmonary infections.

• Authors: Yiqin Tao, Zhongya Yan, Jiming Sha, Zhengyan Zhu, Hong Lei
• Journal: Journal of thoracic disease (J Thorac Dis) Vol. 2 Issue 2 Pg. 121-3 (Jun 2010) ISSN: 2077-6624 [Electronic] China
• PMID: 22263030 (Publication Type: Case Reports)