Computed tomography scan assessment of lung disease in primary immunodeficiencies

A wide spectrum of lung disease can complicate primary immunodeficiencies and early recognition influences management and prognosis. Computed tomography (CT) especially high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) has been shown to detect lung disease in adult immunodeficient patients often when the chest radiograph (CXR) is normal, but this has not been studied in children. Twenty-five CT scans [10 HRCT] and CXRs were reviewed in 23 children [14 male, 9 female] with primary immunodeficiency. Eighteen [72%] of the CT scans were abnormal, bronchiectasis being the commonest finding present in eight CT scans in patients with antibody deficiency. In eight cases CT scan revealed changes not seen on CXR (bronchiectasis;interstitial changes; small parenchymal nodules; air trapping;and a small upper lobe cyst) which influenced treatment in six cases. Conclusion CT scans have a valuable role in assessing lung disease in children with primary immunodeficiencies and will detect important changes not visible on CXR. Received: 9 December 1997 / Accepted in revised form: 3 June 1998