非结核分枝杆菌肺病的MSCT表现

【摘要】目的：探讨非结核分枝杆菌（NTM）肺病的多层螺旋CT表现。方法：回顾性分析经实验室检查确诊的60例NTM肺病的CT表现。结果：NTM肺病的主要CT表现分为三型：①支气管扩张合并细支气管炎型（35例,35/60,占58.3%）,支气管扩张均为柱状,同一肺叶均可见细支气管炎（即小结节和树芽征）。支气管扩张最常见于右肺中叶及左舌叶,均为24例（24/35）,小结节灶最常见于左肺下叶（33例,33/35）,树芽征最常见于右肺上叶（22例,22/35）。8例（8/35）患者合并空洞。②结核相似型（23例,23/60,占38.3%),主要CT表现为斑片状、片状、斑点状、结节状及索条状影,多种形态混合存在,伴空洞者16例（16/23）,空洞数共44个,多发空洞10例（10/16）,最常见于左肺上叶（10个）。伴支气管扩张者8例（8/23）,均为柱状支气管扩张。树芽征4例（4/23）。肺不张4例（4/23）,其内均可见柱状支气管扩张,胸膜增厚2例(2/23),单侧胸腔积液2例(2/23)。③混合型：1例右肺中叶大片状实变影,右肺下叶巨大肺大泡并感染;1例双肺多发大小不等小结节状影,边缘清楚,右肺上叶不张伴柱状支气管扩张及不规则空洞。结论：NTM肺病以柱状支气管扩张和细支气管炎表现为主要征象,其次类似于继发性肺结核表现,少数患者表现为其它征象,如大片状实变、多发结节灶。MSCT对该病的诊断具有重要价值。     

MSCT对院内耐甲氧西林金黄色葡萄球菌肺炎的诊断价值

目的：探讨耐甲氧西林金黄色葡萄球菌（MRSA）肺炎的CT表现。方法：回顾性分析17例MRSA肺炎的CT征象。结果：MRSA肺炎最常见的CT征象为实变（17例）,其中14例为双肺实变;空洞9例,其中6例为实变内空洞,3例为结节内空洞;毛玻璃影14例,常为双肺分布以及实变、结节周围分布。其它CT表现包括两肺多发结节（7例）、小叶间隔增厚（9例）和胸腔积液（9例）。结论：MRSA肺炎的主要CT征象为两肺实变、空洞形成以及毛玻璃影。CT可清晰显示这些异常征象并可为早期诊断做出有益提示。     

肺非结核性分支杆菌病的X线和CT表现

目的 认识肺非结核性分支杆菌病的X线和CT表现。方法 回顾性分析经确诊的22例肺非结核性分支杆菌病的X线胸片表现，其中10例同时有CT扫描。记录异常所见和主要累及的肺叶；比较胸片和CT所见的异同。结果 胸片显示：(1)全部病例都有病变；(2)病变多数为两侧多叶分布(17例)，右侧比左侧多(20：16，)，上叶比下叶多(18：15)；(3)在病变形态上斑片状实变(19例)、空洞(18例)、纤维性变(14例)、结节(12例)是胸片上的主要表现；(4)多数病例(19例)多种病变同时出现。CT则以结节最常见(10例均可见)，其次为实变和空洞，各为8例，此外尚可见5例支气管扩张、3例“树芽征”和2例纵隔淋巴结肿大，这些征象在胸片上均未能检出。结论 气腔实变、空洞、结节、纤维化是胸片的常见表现，在CT上还可见支气管扩张、“树芽征”和纵隔淋巴结肿大。该病变的形态和分布难以和继发型肺结核区别，多种病变同时累及多肺叶是该病的特点。     

淋巴瘤肺浸润的CT表现和病理对比

目的：探讨淋巴瘤肺浸润的特征性CT表现和病理学特征,以提高对本病的认识。方法：回顾性分析23例经病理证实的淋巴瘤肺浸润的CT影像资料,并与组织病理学和手术结果比较。结果：23例淋巴瘤中霍奇金淋巴瘤5例,非霍奇金淋巴瘤18例。单发病灶7例,多发病灶16例。肺叶肺段型9例,结节肿块型8例,混合型6例。CT病理对比研究显示支气管充气征（14/23,60.87%）、CT血管造影征（12/23,52.17%）、磨玻璃结节（3/23,13.04%）,跨叶病灶（4/23,17.39%）为较具特征性的征象,对诊断意义较大。结论：淋巴瘤肺浸润CT表现具有一定的特征性,对淋巴瘤肺浸润的诊断具有一定的临床价值。     

非中性粒细胞缺乏患者侵袭性气管支气管肺曲霉菌病初次CT表现

【摘要】目的：分析非中性粒细胞缺乏患者侵袭性气管支气管肺曲霉菌病（ITBA）初次CT表现,提高该病的早期诊断率。方法：对中山市中医院2014年1月-2017年8月14例ITBA成年患者的临床和初次CT资料进行回顾性分析。所有病例的诊断均符合2013年血液病/恶性肿瘤患者侵袭性真菌病的诊断标准与治疗原则(第四版)。所有CT图像均经两位胸部影像学副主任医师阅片并分析总结其CT征象。结果：14例患者初次CT表现13例（92.9%）段或亚段支气管壁明显增厚,11例（78.6%）出现肺外围支气管扩张,10例（71.4%）出现多发结节,8例（57.1%）出现沿气道分布的楔形小片状实变影或磨玻璃影,6例（42.9%）有空洞,较大空洞内见细线状的分隔影。结论：非中性粒细胞缺乏患者ITBA初次CT的主要表现是支气管外壁明显增厚、支气管扩张、结节、梭形空洞（其内少许细线状的分隔）。支气管外壁明显增厚及梭形空洞（其内少许细线状的分隔）对ITBA的早期诊断有较高的特异性。     

青年肺癌的CT表现与误诊探讨

目的探讨青年肺癌CT表现及误诊分析。方法回顾分析33例病理确诊的40岁以下原发性支气管肺癌的CT表现及临床资料。结果CT表现为肿块13例、结节8例、肺叶实变7例,支气管腔内结节并肺叶不张3例,支气管壁增厚管腔狭窄并阻塞性肺炎,空洞、多中心各1例。8例胸腔积液或合并胸膜结节,7例双肺结节,6例淋巴结肿大,2例骨性胸廓骨质破坏,4例肿瘤直接侵犯纵隔或/和纵隔内血管,胸部转移率为81.8%。初诊时误诊为肺炎6例,结核15例,误诊率63.6%。结论青年肺癌CT主要表现为肿块、结节、肺叶实变,大多数确诊时已为晚期,易误诊为肺结核,误诊率高。     

细支气管肺泡癌的CT特点与病理基础对照分析

目的 探讨细支气管肺泡癌(BAC)的CT特点与病理学基础.方法 分析44例经病理证实的BAC,根据CT表现分为孤立结节型、肺叶实变型和多发结节型,分别为24例、12例和8例;结合文献对照研究各型肺泡癌的影像特点与病理基础.结果 孤立结节型BAC临床多无症状,CT主要征象:磨玻璃征20例(83.3%)、空泡或支气管充气征18例(75%)、分叶征20例(83.3%)、毛刺征16例(66.7%)、胸膜凹陷征16例(66.7%);肺叶实变型BAC临床相对特异性表现是咳白色泡沫痰,CT主要征象:枯树枝征10例(83.3%)、蜂房征10例(83.3%)、碎路石征6例(50%)、叶间胸膜膨出8例(66.7%)、血管造影征2例(16.7%);多发结节型BAC较少见,临床常见症状为咳嗽,CT表现为两肺野分多发结节,部分结节内见空泡,结节具有融合倾向,伴有母瘤(25%).结论 熟悉BAC各型病理、临床及影像学表现,有助于提高诊断水平.     

原发性肺非霍奇金淋巴瘤的CT诊断

目的：探讨原发性肺非霍奇金淋巴瘤的CT表现特点。方法：回顾性分析经临床病理证实的13例原发性肺非霍奇金淋巴瘤的CT表现。结果：高度恶性弥漫性大B细胞非霍奇金淋巴瘤4例14个病灶,其中肿块型2例3个肿块,结节型1例3个结节,混合型1例8个病灶;低度恶性小B细胞非霍奇金淋巴瘤9例24个病灶,其中肿块型1例1个肿块,结节型1例2个结节,肺叶实变型3例5个病灶,混合型4例16个病灶。在肿块型3例4个肿块中,支气管充气征3个,伴不规则坏死空洞2个;结节型2例共5个结节,其中结节边缘见磨玻璃征及内见支气管充气征2个;肺叶实变型3例5个病灶,实变区内均见支气管充气征,其中边缘见磨玻璃征2个病灶,支气管腔明显狭窄阻塞1个病灶;混合型5例24个病灶,为多种表现并存,其中支气管充气征10个,磨玻璃征12个。CT增强5例,其中轻度强化3例,中度强化2例。结论：原发性肺非霍奇金淋巴瘤CT表现形式多样性,CT表现结合临床资料有助于该疾病的诊断。     

多层螺旋CT多平面重组对周围型肺癌空洞常见征象检出价值

目的：探讨多层螺旋CT多平面重组（MPR）对周围型肺癌空洞常见征象的检出作用。方法：搜集经病理证实的110例周围型肺癌空洞的多层螺旋CT资料,其中60例进行了MPR。对比分析多层螺旋CT横轴面薄层图像与MPR图像对周围型肺癌空洞常见CT征象的检出作用。结果：110例周围型肺癌空洞横轴面薄层CT图像中,空洞外缘分叶征、毛刺征、空洞内壁不光整、偏心性空洞、支气管血管集束征分别有80例（72.7%）、72例（65.5%）、85例（77.3%）、83例（75.5%）、70例（63.6%）。行MPR的60例周围型肺癌空洞中,上述征象在MPR图像上分别检出56例（93.3%）、50例（83.3%）、55例（91.7%）、50例（83.3%）、46例（76.7%）,其中空洞外缘分叶征、毛刺征、空洞内壁不光整、支气管血管集束征的检出率均明显高于横轴面薄层图像（χ^2值分别为10.083、9.091、7.111、6.125,P〈0.01）,偏心性空洞的检出率略高于横轴面薄层图像,差异无显著性意义（χ^2=3.200,P〉0.05）。结论：MPR可提高周围型肺癌空洞常见CT征象的检出率,有利于周围型肺癌空洞的CT诊断。     

MSCT后处理技术对真菌性肺炎的诊断及鉴别诊断价值

目的：探讨多层螺旋CT薄层图像与MPR图像在诊断真菌性肺炎中的临床价值,提高对该病的诊断水平。方法：搜集45例具有完整临床、实验室检查、病理组织学及CT检查资料的肺部真菌感染病例,回顾性分析其常规CT图像、薄层图像及MPR图像的CT征象。结果：白色念珠菌感染12例,曲霉菌感染14例,隐球菌感染8例,毛霉菌感染5例,放线菌感染3例,马尔尼菲青霉菌感染3例。肺部真菌感染的CT表现如下：空洞为主型15例,表现为一个或几个肺叶内单发或多发大小不等空洞性病灶,部分空洞周围见“晕征”,部分空洞内呈典型“鸟巢征”;肺炎样实变或支气管肺炎样变16例,呈小片状或大片状阴影,见支气管充气征及周边密度趋淡即“晕征”;结节或肿块8例,结节或肿块可伴有空洞、“晕征”、毛刺或分叶征;曲菌球6例,呈圆形或椭圆形,并可见“新月征”。薄层CT图像结合MPR图像在显示“晕征”、磨玻璃影、网格、线样影及小结节等cT征象明显优于普通cT（P〈0．05）,其余征象无明显差异（P〉0．05）,但薄层cT结合MPR图像能更清楚地显示病灶范围。结论：多层螺旋CT薄层图像结合MPR图像有助于肺真菌感染的诊断,真菌性肺炎有一定相对特征性改变,掌握真菌性肺炎的CT表现特征,结合临床综合分析,可提高诊断准确性。     

Radiographic and CT findings of nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary infection caused by Mycobacterium abscessus

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study was to describe the radiographic and CT findings in patients with pulmonary infections caused by Mycobacterium abscessus, one of the more common rapidly growing nontuberculous mycobacteria that cause lung disease. CONCLUSION: The main radiologic and CT manifestations of M. abscessus lung infection are bilateral small nodular opacities, bronchiectasis, and cavity formation.     

Bilateral bronchiectasis and bronchiolitis at thin-section CT: diagnostic implications in nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary infection

PURPOSE: To determine frequency of nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) pulmonary infection in patients with bilateral bronchiectasis and bronchiolitis at chest computed tomography (CT) and whether CT findings are indicative of Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare complex (MAC) infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Institutional review board approved this research study; patient informed consent (not required) was obtained from all patients to perform CT. From July 2000 to December 2002, 126 consecutive patients, who were suspected of having NTM pulmonary infection at helical CT (120 kVp, 70 mA, 2.5-mm collimation, pitch of 6) with findings of bilateral bronchiectasis and bronchiolitis, were included. Of these, 105 patients underwent study for diagnosis of NTM disease. Medical records and CT scans were reviewed for final diagnoses. Clinical and chest CT findings in patients with NTM disease and those with other airway diseases were compared (unpaired t test, chi(2) test, or Fisher exact test). RESULTS: NTM pulmonary infection was seen in 36 (34%) of 105 patients; NTM was definite in 32 (30%) and probable in four (4%). In decreasing order of frequency, organisms involved were MAC in 18 patients (50%), with M avium in 10 and M intracellulare in eight, Mycobacterium abscessus in 14 (39%), Mycobacterium kansasii in one (3%), and Mycobacterium fortuitum in one (3%); organisms were unidentifiable in two (6%). Female (P = .031) nonsmokers (P = .037) with history of treatment for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (P = .002), sputum smear positive for acid-fast bacilli (P < .001), and thin-section CT findings of bronchiolitis in more than five lobes with bronchiectasis (P = .011), lobular consolidation (P = .010), and a cavity (P < .001) were related to diagnosis of NTM pulmonary infection. CONCLUSION: About one-third of patients with thin-section CT findings of bilateral bronchiectasis and bronchiolitis have NTM pulmonary infection; in these situations, MAC and M abscessus are two most frequent causative organisms. Thin-section CT findings of bronchiectasis and bronchiolitis involving more than five lobes, especially when associated with lobular consolidation or a cavity, are highly suggestive of NTM pulmonary infection.     

Aspergillus infection of the respiratory tract after lung transplantation: chest radiographic and CT findings

The objective of our study was to assess radiographic and CT findings in lung transplant patients with evidence of Aspergillus colonization or infection of the airways and correlate the findings with clinical, laboratory, bronchoalveolar lavage, biopsy and autopsy findings. The records of 189 patients who had undergone lung transplantation were retrospectively reviewed for evidence of Aspergillus colonization or infection of the airways. Aspergillus was demonstrated by culture or microscopy of sputum or bronchoalveolar lavage fluid or histologically from lung biopsies or postmortem studies in 44 patients (23 %). Notes and radiographs were available for analysis in 30 patients. In 12 of the 30 patients (40 %) chest radiographs remained normal. In 11 of 18 patients with abnormal radiographs pulmonary abnormalities were attributed to invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) in the absence of other causes for pulmonary abnormalities (8 patients) or because of histological demonstration of IPA (3 patients). In these 11 patients initial radiographic abnormalities were focal areas of patchy consolidation (8 patients), ill-defined pulmonary nodules (2 patients) or a combination of both (1 patient). In some of the lesions cavitation was demonstrated subsequently. At CT a “halo” of decreased density was demonstrated in some of the nodules and lesion morphology and location were shown more precisely. Demonstration of Aspergillus from the respiratory tract after lung transplantation does not necessarily reflect IPA but may represent colonization of the airways or semi-invasive aspergillosis. The findings in patients with IPA did not differ from those described in the literature in other immunocompromised patients, suggesting that surgical disruption of lymphatic drainage and nervous supply or effects of preservation and transport of the transplant lung do not affect the radiographic appearances. Received 24 March 1997; Revision received 27 June 1997; Accepted 20 August 1997     

Nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary infection in immunocompetent patients: comparison of thin-section CT and histopathologic findings

PURPOSE: To identify and describe the thin-section computed tomographic (CT) findings of nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) pulmonary infection in immunocompetent patients and to compare these findings with histopathologic findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between April 2002 and March 2003, the thin-section chest CT findings in and histopathologic lung tissue specimens from 22 patients who fulfilled the American Thoracic Society diagnostic criteria for NTM pulmonary infection were retrospectively reviewed. The lung lesion patterns (ie, small nodules, branching centrilobular nodules [ie, tree-in-bud pattern], consolidation, cavities, bronchiectasis, and volume loss) seen at CT at the sites of transbronchial lung biopsy (n = 22) or lobectomy (n = 1) were compared with the histopathologic findings. RESULTS: Thirteen of the 22 patients were found to have Mycobacterium abscessus pulmonary infection; seven, to have Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare complex infection; and two, to have Mycobacterium fortuitum infection. Regardless of the specific infective mycobacterial species, bilateral small nodules (in 22 [100%] lung locations), cylindric bronchiectasis (in 20 [91%] locations), and branching centrilobular nodular lesions (in 17 [77%] locations) were the most common CT findings seen at the biopsy sites. All of the transbronchial lung biopsy specimens showed a thickened bronchiolar wall and bronchiolar and peribronchiolar inflammation at histopathologic analysis. Dilated bronchioles were identified in 19 (86%) patients, and epithelioid granulomas with or without caseation were seen in seven (32%). CONCLUSION: Regardless of the specific infective mycobacterial species, the most common thin-section CT findings of NTM pulmonary infection are bilateral small nodules, cylindric bronchiectasis, and branching centrilobular nodules. These findings correspond histopathologically to bronchiolectasis and bronchiolar and peribronchiolar inflammation with or without granuloma formation.     

Hypothesis on the evolution of cavitary lesions in nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary infection: thin-section CT and histopathologic correlation

OBJECTIVE: The objectives of our study were to evaluate the thin-section CT findings of the cavitary form of nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary infection and correlate these imaging findings with the histopathologic findings concerning the development of bronchiectasis and of centrilobular nodules and cavitary lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed thin-section CT scans (2.5-mm collimation, both axial and coronal reformation images) of 24 cases (male-female ratio, 13:11; mean age, 61 years; age range, 43-82 years) of the cavitary form of culture-proven Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare complex pulmonary infection including two cases with lobectomy specimens. Any changes in CT findings detected on the follow-up CT scans that were available for seven patients (follow-up interval, 6-24 months; mean, 12 months) were also assessed. RESULTS: Thin-section CT findings were bronchiectasis (24/24 patients, 100%), a patent bronchus running into a cavitary lesion (the "feeding bronchus" appearance) (18/24, 75%), nodules less than 10 mm (17/24, 71%), centrilobular nodules (17/24, 71%), nodules of 10-30 mm (13/24, 54%), peribronchial nodules (8/24, 33%), lobular consolidation (6/24, 25%), bronchial wall thickening (4/24, 17%), and consolidation (2/24, 8%). Two lobectomy specimens showed large cavitary consolidations with the feeding bronchus appearance on pathologic specimens. In two patients, small peribronchial nodules had changed into cavitary nodules with the feeding bronchus appearance on follow-up CT, which represented inflamed focal cystic bronchiectasis. CONCLUSION: In the cavitary form of M. avium-intracellulare complex pulmonary infection, the feeding bronchus appearance is another very frequent thin-section CT finding. This appearance may suggest that peribronchial nodules of M. avium-intracellulare complex infection evolve into inflamed focal cystic bronchiectasis manifesting as cavitary lesions.     

Pulmonary involvement with Erdheim-Chester disease: radiographic and CT findings

OBJECTIVE: We determined the chest radiographic and CT findings of Erdheim-Chester disease with pulmonary involvement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the radiologic images of 15 patients with biopsy-proven Erdheim-Chester disease. Nine patients had chest radiographic images and CT scans that were available for review. Six men and three women were studied (age range, 25-70 years; mean age, 56 years). Two radiologists interpreted all images by consensus. Lung parenchyma was assessed for the type and distribution of disease. Bronchi, pleurae, hila, and mediastinal and extrathoracic structures were evaluated for abnormalities. Pathologic specimens from all patients were reviewed and correlated with radiologic findings. RESULTS: Eight of nine patients had thoracic images with abnormal findings. The most common radiographic pattern was reticular interstitial opacities with fissural and interlobular septal thickening. CT revealed regions of ground-glass attenuation and centrilobular nodular opacities. Typically, extrapulmonary findings included pleural effusions (6/8 patients), pericardial fluid or thickening (4/8), and extrathoracic infiltrative soft-tissue masses (4/8). CONCLUSION: The most common findings of Erdheim-Chester disease with pulmonary involvement include an interstitial process characterized by smooth interlobular septal thickening and centrilobular nodular opacities, fissural thickening, and pleural effusions. On CT, six of nine patients had pericardial fluid and thickening or extrathoracic soft-tissue masses. Such findings are characteristic of Erdheim-Chester disease with pulmonary involvement. Definitive diagnosis requires correlating skeletal findings and lung biopsy findings.     

Scrub typhus: radiological and clinical findings

OBJECTIVES: To describe the radiological and clinical findings of scrub typhus. We retrospectively analysed the radiographic, thin-section CT and clinical features of scrub typhus. METHODS: The study included 75 consecutive patients (median age = 47 years, range = 18-81 years) with scrub typhus. Plain chest radiographs were obtained in all 75 patients and 19 underwent thin-section CT within 6 days of initial radiography. The radiographic and thin-section CT findings were retrospectively analysed by three radiologists. RESULTS: Most common clinical symptoms were fever (73/75, 98%), myalgia (61/75, 81%) and headache (60/75%, 80%). Rash (59/75, 79%) and eschar (56/75, 75%) were the most common signs. Radiography showed abnormalities in 54/75 (72%) patients. The most frequent findings were parenchymal abnormalities (53/75, 71%) with lower lung predilection including bilateral reticulonodular opacities (30/75, 40%), ground-glass opacity (19/75, 25%), consolidation (19/75, 25%), septal lines (27/75, 36%) and hilar lymph node enlargement (19/75, 25%). Thin-section CT (n = 19) showed ground-glass opacity (17/19, 89%) predominantly in the lower zones. Bronchial wall thickening (11/19, 58%), centrilobular nodules (9/19, 47%) and interlobular septal thickening (9/19, 47%) were less frequent findings. CONCLUSIONS: Scrub typhus is an acute febrile illness characterized by eschar, which usually has a limited course without serious complication. Diffuse bilateral reticulonodular opacities with lower lung predominance was the most frequent radiographic finding. Chest radiography and thin-section CT show pulmonary interstitial disease which may have a component of pulmonary oedema secondary to cardiac dysfunction.     

Respiratory viral infections in lung transplant recipients: radiologic findings with clinical correlation

PURPOSE: To evaluate radiologic finding of respiratory viral infection in lung transplant recipients with clinical correlation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Over 5 years, 21 episodes of respiratory viral infection (parainfluenza [n = 9], respiratory syncytial virus [n = 8], adenovirus [n = 5], influenza [n = 2]) were diagnosed 6-727 days (mean, 270 days) after lung transplantation in 20 recipients. Chest radiographs, computed tomographic (CT) images, and clinical records were reviewed. RESULTS: Sixteen episodes of respiratory viral infection were diagnosed in patients with symptoms of lower respiratory tract infection or acute allograft dysfunction; five were diagnosed in asymptomatic patients. Chest radiographs were abnormal in 11 (52%) episodes; findings included heterogeneous or homogeneous opacities and masslike consolidation. All patients with radiographic abnormalities were symptomatic. Chest radiographs were unchanged from baseline in 10 (48%) episodes; in one, CT revealed findings not depicted at radiography. Adenoviral infection (n = 5) was typically symptomatic, was associated with new radiographic abnormalities, and was rapidly lethal (n = 4). Infection with parainfluenza and/or respiratory syncytial virus was commonly asymptomatic and was not associated with radiographic abnormalities; affected patients had good outcomes. CONCLUSION: Respiratory viral infections are important causes of morbidity and mortality in lung transplant recipients. Radiographic abnormalities in patients with respiratory viral infections were usually accompanied by symptoms of lower respiratory tract infection. Adenoviral infection was frequently accompanied by progressive pulmonary opacity and fatal outcome.     

Computerized tomography in the study of thoracic-pulmonary complications after liver transplantation

PURPOSE: To review the role of Computed Tomography (CT) in thoracic complications following orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a post-OLT population of 567 patients transplanted in our institution, 100 patients (17.6%) were examined with chest CT. We reviewed data relative to the total number of examinations, clinical and/or radiographic indications, the CT technique--i.e., conventional (with(out) intravenous, i.v., contrast material) or high-resolution (HRCT). We also reviewed the radiologic patterns and their correlation with the other clinical, bronchoscopic and/or laboratory results. RESULTS: Of 152 chest CT examinations, 45 (29.6%) were performed because of clinical indications, 31 (20.4%) because of a radiographic abnormality, 64 (42.1%) because of clinical and radiographic indications, while in 12 cases (7.9%) the reasons were unknown; 133/152 (87.5%) examinations had been performed with conventional CT scanning (100 with i.v. contrast agent and 33 without) and 19/152 (12.5%) with HRCT. Twenty of 152 (13.2%) examinations, in 16 patients, were normal; in the other 84 patients, 132/152 (86.8%) CT/HRCT studies showed 247 pathological findings (99 pleural effusions, 3 pericardial effusions, 62 cases of atelectasis, 1 pulmonary calcification, 70 suspected inflammatory parenchymal consolidations, 64 of them alveolar and 6 interstitial, 4 cases of interstitial edema and finally 8 neoplastic infiltrates). DISCUSSION: Correlated with clinical data, CT findings are very useful in detailing clinical-radiographic screening findings, despite the limitations in typifying pleural effusions, in differentiating atelectases from inflammatory parenchymal consolidations and in assessing pneumonia etiology. Also, despite its high sensitivity (94.1%) and specificity (92.8%), CT was not accurate enough in the differential diagnosis of pneumonia. History data were necessary to characterize the histology of neoplastic infiltrates. CONCLUSIONS: Chest CT has relatively uncommon, and sometimes only clinical, indications in post-OLT patients. The technique is chosen based on clinical-radiographic findings. CT proved useful in showing negative cases and in detailing clinical and radiographic findings but must be integrated with clinical findings to define inflammatory and neoplastic conditions.     

Clinical value of thin collimation in the diagnostic workup of pulmonary embolism

OBJECTIVE: We report our experience with thin-collimation helical CT in a population of patients suspected of having pulmonary embolism. CONCLUSION: Thin-collimation helical CT provided technically acceptable examinations for pulmonary embolism in 360 patients (97%). In this population, CT revealed pulmonary embolism in 104 patients (29%), negative findings in 217 patients (59%), indeterminate findings in 39 patients (10%), and alternative diagnoses in 65% of patients with negative or inconclusive findings. Ventilation-perfusion scanning and Doppler sonography of the lower extremities were performed in 158 (44%) and 133 patients (37%), respectively, whereas pulmonary angiography was performed in 27 patients (7.5%). The estimated false-negative rate of helical CT was 5%.