Lung transplantation and esophageal dysfunction

Abstract

Lung transplants belong in the group of organ transplants with poorer outcomes, with acute rejection and bronchiolitis obliterans being cited as major causes of this. Poor allograft evolution has been associated with multiple factors, including those related to esophagogastric disease. In patients with end-stage pulmonary conditions eligible for a lung transplant gastroesophageal reflux (GER), esophageal dysmotily, and gastroparesis are highly prevalent and worsen upon transplantation, which may compromise transplant viability. High-resolution impedance manometry and long-term impedance pH-metry studies provide a new perspective where reflux and dysmotility share the limelight with changes in the diagnostic approach and in potential therapies.