Lung volume reduction surgery for a professional athlete with Swyer-James syndrome.

Abstract

Swyer-James syndrome is an uncommon, emphysematous disease characterized by roentgenographic hyperlucency of one lung or lobe due to loss of the pulmonary vascular structure and to alveolar overdistension. We here describe a 28-year-old professional bicycle racer with Swyer-James syndrome who had dyspnea on exertion, especially during a bicycle race. Lung volume reduction surgery was performed with video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. This treatment improved his pulmonary function, and he is active as a bicycle racer now.