Lung transplantation for coronavirus disease 2019 associated severe acute respiratory distress syndrome.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The purpose of this review is to analyze the most recent and relevant literature involving lung transplantation for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) associated acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), the pathological mechanisms of lung injury, selection criteria and outcomes.

RECENT FINDINGS

Pathological analysis of lungs after COVID-19 ARDS has shown architectural distortion similar to that observed in explanted lungs from patients undergoing lung transplantation for end-stage lung diseases such as emphysema. Short-term outcomes after lung transplantation for COVID-19 associated respiratory failure are comparable to those performed for other indications.

SUMMARY

Lung transplantation after COVID-19 ARDS is a potentially life-saving procedure for appropriately selected patients with no evidence of lung function recovery despite maximal treatment. Lung transplantation should be ideally performed in high-volume centers with expertise.