Lung Volume Reduction Surgery in Patients With Emphysema and α-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency

This study extends to 49 cases the published experience of LVRS in severe AAT deficiency. Although the small number of subjects precludes firm conclusions, trends of lower magnitude and duration of FEV1 rise after surgery in AAT-deficient versus AAT-replete subjects and higher mortality in deficient individuals randomized to surgery versus medical treatment suggest caution in recommending LVRS in AAT deficiency.