An adult case of dyspnea and overinflation of the residual lung with disappearance of the postpneumonectomy space after left pneumonectomy

: Mediastinal shift and overinflation of the residual lung after pneumonectomy are well known, and sometimes cause pulmonary insufficiency. However, most of such cases occur after surgery in childhood or adolescence. We present a 49-year-old woman who had dyspnea and severe overinflation of the residual lung after left pneumonectomy. She had undergone pneumonectomy at the age of 33 years. Dyspnea on exertion occurred 4 years later, and became much more severe 9 years later (H-J IV degrees). Computed tomography showed that the postpneumonectomy space and completely disappeared and the right lung was overinflated to the left posterior axillary line. Low vital capacity with high residual volume and low maximal ventilatory volume were detected by pulmonary function test. Pulmonary function after pneumonectomy is difficult to predict because mediastinal shift and overinflation of the residual lung may occur. To avoid this, prosthesis plombage for the postpneumonectomy space is necessary.