Bronchiolitis obliterans after lung transplantation: findings at chest radiography and high-resolution CT. The Toronto Lung Transplant Group

Radiology. 1991 May;179(2):487-90. doi: 10.1148/radiology.179.2.2014297.

Abstract

Although bronchiolitis obliterans (BO) is seen commonly after heart-lung transplantation, its occurrence after lung transplantation appears to be relatively infrequent. In the 55 single- and double-lung transplantations performed at Toronto General Hospital, 41 patients have survived longer than 3 months and four (10%) have developed pathologically proved BO. Chest radiographic findings in these four patients included slight to moderate decreased peripheral vascular markings (n = 3), slight to moderate volume loss (n = 2), subsegmental atelectasis (n = 2), and new, thin, linear, irregular areas of increased opacity (n = 2). High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) demonstrated mild peripheral bronchiectasis (n = 4) and decreased peripheral vascular markings (n = 3). Although the radiographic and HRCT findings did not appear to be specific for posttransplantation BO, they may be of value in suggesting the diagnosis of BO within this patient population.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bronchiolitis Obliterans / diagnostic imaging*
  • Bronchiolitis Obliterans / etiology
  • Bronchiolitis Obliterans / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lung / diagnostic imaging
  • Lung / pathology
  • Lung Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Male
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed