Thoracic disease in the immunocompromised patient.
Thoracic disease in the HIV negative immunocompromised host is most frequently caused by infection. Patterns of involvement produced on the chest radiograph include (1) lobar or segmental consolidation, (2) nodules with rapid growth and/or cavitation, and (3) diffuse lung disease. The lung also may be directly involved by lymphoma, metastases, drug reactions, radiation pneumonitis, or nonspecific interstitial pneumonitis. The lung is a frequent target organ for opportunistic infections in AIDS patients, particularly of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia and tuberculosis. Computed tomography may be particularly helpful in these patients in the detection of early disease and in the characterization of patterns and extent of involvement as well as complications.
McLoud
T C
TC
Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston.
Naidich
D P
DP
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006679:HIV Seropositivity; D006801:Humans; D016867:Immunocompromised Host; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011014:Pneumonia / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011859:Radiography