Acute lung disease in the immunocompromised host.
The immunocompromised host is an individual with a decreased defense mechanism or immunity. Pulmonary complications commonly seen in these patients include infections, neoplasms, drug-induced lung disease, and pulmonary hemorrhage. High-resolution CT plays an invaluable role in confirming the presence of pulmonary disease and narrowing down the differential diagnosis in this group of patients. It also is helpful as a guide to the optimal type and site of biopsy. The pattern and prevalence of disease varies considerably between the AIDS and the non-AIDS group, and therefore, these two groups are considered separately.
Hiorns
M P
MP
Department of Radiology, Vancouver General Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
Screaton
N J
NJ
Müller
N L
NL
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000150:complications; D000208:Acute Disease; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D016867:Immunocompromised Host; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000276:immunology; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*