Lung Transplantation for Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome after SARS-CoV-2 Infection

Background The majority of patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection present mild symptoms. However, some patients develop severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and subsequent irreversible lung damage despite extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, leaving lung transplantation the ultimate therapeutically option. Case Description Here, we report a case of lung transplantation in a 31-year-old male recipient suffering from post-coronavirus disease 2019 respiratory failure with irreversible ARDS after prolonged extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy. Conclusion Patient selection criteria are elucidated. One relevant mechanism for susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 in the respiratory system, the acid sphingomyelinase/ceramide system might be altered during infection with SARS-CoV-2.

Automated summary

This case report presents a lung transplantation in a 31-year-old male recipient who developed irreversible ARDS respiratory failure after prolonged extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy for post-coronavirus disease 2019. The report also discusses potential changes in the acid sphingomyelinase/ceramide system as a mechanism for susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 in the respiratory system.