RECURRENT THORACIC AIR LEAK SYNDROME IN PATIENTS AFFECTED BY PULMONARY
GRAFT-VERSUS-HOST DISEASE: SURGICAL STRATEGIES AND OUTCOME
Abstract
Thoracic air leak syndrome (TALS) is a complication related to chronic
pulmonary graft-versus-host disease (pGvHD) and is defined as the
occurrence of any form of air leak in the thorax. Four patients, aged 16
to 25 years, underwent surgical procedures for TALS between January 2016
and March 2021. All the patients experienced at least two episodes
before surgery. After surgery, patients were temporarily free from air
leak symptoms. All the patients eventually died because of respiratory
failure. Surgery provides temporary relief to symptoms related to TALS.
When TALS develops, pulmonary function progressively worsens toward
respiratory failure and death.