Lung transplant edema: chest radiography after lung transplantation--the first 10 days.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the imaging spectrum and clinical correlates of lung transplant edema within the first 10 days after lung transplantation.


METHODS
The study group consisted of 105 consecutive lung transplant recipients. Lung infiltrates on chest radiographs were scored and characterized. Findings that satisfied the accepted description of reperfusion edema were identified. Lung ischemia times and the clinical or biopsy diagnosis of acute rejection were correlated with radiographic findings.


RESULTS
Lung infiltrates compatible with reperfusion edema were seen in 97% of transplanted lungs without a demonstrable correlation with lung ischemia times. Lung scores between groups of patients treated and not treated for acute rejection were not statistically significantly different.


CONCLUSIONS
The spectrum of findings attributable to lung transplantation or reperfusion edema is variable and diminishes the use of chest radiography as an early postoperative modality for monitoring acute rejection.
Anderson
D C
DC
Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63110.
Glazer
H S
HS
Semenkovich
J W
JW
Pilgram
T K
TK
Trulock
E P
EP
Cooper
J D
JD
Patterson
G A
GA
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000601:surgery; D016040:Lung Transplantation / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000453:epidemiology; D011184:Postoperative Period; D015995:Prevalence; D011654:Pulmonary Edema / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000453:epidemiology; D011859:Radiography; D015427:Reperfusion Injury / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000453:epidemiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors