CT manifestations of respiratory syncytial virus infection in lung transplant recipients

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of our study was to evaluate CT findings during respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in lung transplant recipients and to identify sequelae.

Method: Thirty-nine CT scans prior to, during, and following acute infection in 10 lung transplant recipients were reviewed. Abnormalities that were new from baseline observations and occurred within 4 weeks of diagnosis were defined as acute. Chronic findings were defined as those present >4 weeks after diagnosis.

Results: Findings in nine patients were ground-glass (seven), air-space (five), and tree-in-bud (four) opacities and acute bronchial dilatation (four) and wall thickening (four). Patients lacked pleural effusions or lymph node enlargement. Five of seven patients with follow-up exams had new air trapping (three), persistent bronchial dilatation (three), and thickening (two). Three and 2 of the 10 patients developed bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome and obliterative bronchiolitis, respectively.

Conclusion: During acute infection, patients commonly had ground-glass opacities but lacked pleural effusions and lymph node enlargement. There can be chronic sequelae after infection.