Reversible hyperinflation in emphysema.
Pulmonary emphysema results in hyperinflation of the lungs and concomitant changes in the configuration of the thoracic cavity. We describe a patient who underwent bilateral lung transplantation for emphysema due to alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency. Dramatic changes in chest dimensions and configuration occurred following transplantation, demonstrating the dynamic and reversible nature of the thoracic cavity abnormalities of emphysema.
Hertz
M I
MI
Department of Internal Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis.
Bonser
R S
RS
Jamieson
S W
SW
Tashjian
J
J
Halvorsen
R A
RA
D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D016040:Lung Transplantation; D008297:Male; D011656:Pulmonary Emphysema / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D013909:Thorax / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D019896:alpha 1-Antitrypsin Deficiency