MEDIUM-TERM RESULTS OF LUNG TRANSPLANTATION FOR END-STAGE PULMONARY SARCOIDOSIS

Background-Lung transplantation is an accepted therapeutic option for patients with end stage pulmonary sarcoidosis. However, the medium ter m outcome of transplantation in this patient group is unknown. Methods -This study was performed to evaluate our experience with lung transpl antation for end stage pulmonary sarcoidosis. Between July 1988 and Ju ly 1997 12 patients (nine men) underwent lung transplantation for sarc oidosis at our institution. Ten underwent single lung transplantation and two double lung transplantation. Results-Survival at three and fiv e years was 70% and 56%, respectively. Three patients developed oblite rative bronchiolitis at six, 18, and 45 months. One died at the time o f retransplantation. Sarcoid granulomas have recurred in the donor org an in three patients. In one the development of granulomas has been as sociated with clinical deterioration, necessitating retransplantation. Mean (SD) forced expiratory volumes in one second at three and five y ears were 1.37 (0.67) 1 and 1.34 (0.13) 1, respectively. Conclusions-L ung transplantation is a viable option for patients with end stage pul monary sarcoidosis. The medium term results are comparable with patien ts undergoing lung transplantation for other indications. Despite hist ological recurrence of sarcoidosis, the risk of clinically important r ecurrence is low.