Background and aims
Thoracic air leak syndrome (TALS) is a complication related to chronic
pulmonary graft-versus-host disease (pGvHD) that affects approximately
0.83% to 3.08% patients after allogenic hematopoietic stem cell
transplant. Such complication is defined as the occurrence of any form
of air leak in the thorax, including spontaneous pneumomediastinum or
pneumopericardium, subcutaneous emphysema, interstitial emphysema and
pneumothorax and has a negative impact on post-transplant survival.
The aim of the present study is to describe a single-center experience
in the surgical management of recurrent TALS in adolescents and young
adults and its outcome.