Neumonectomía en atelectasia masiva post infección por adenovirus

Abstract

We described the clinical and radiological evolution and pulmonary function tests in three patients aging 8 to 14 years old at present time. All of them suffered severe pneumonia caused by adenovirus infection during the infant period. During the acute viral disease, massive lung atelectasis refractory to treatment, determined the indication of pneumonectomy. All of the removed lungs presented bronchiectasis, atelectasis and fibrosis. In two children the medical condition improved after surgery, allowing to discontinue oxygen therapy. Wotwith standing, both of them had severe restrictive and obstructive limitation and signs of chronic damage at CTscan obstructive exacerbations decreased and the patients have been to carry out a normal life. The third patient has evolved with progressive clinical deterioration and pulmonary hypertension. The is under continuous oxygen therapy, because of extensive damage in the remaining lung. Being the pneumonectomy an exceptional procedure in children, in these patients the indication was due to medical treatment failure and progressive deterioration. Notwithstanding two children have shown, up to now, a satisfactory adaptation to this condition