64 multidetector CT findings of influenza A (H1N1) virus in patients with hematologic malignancies.
BACKGROUND
The pandemic of swine-origin H1N1 influenza that began in early 2009 has provided evidence that radiology can assist in the early diagnosis of severe cases. Immunocompromised patients are at increased risk for morbidity and mortality. MDCT is superior to radiography in showing the distribution of the disease.


OBJECTIVE
To review the 64 multidetector CT thoracic findings of novel swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) virus in patients with hematologic malignancies.


METHODS
This study included 12 patients (3 women, 9 men; mean age, 32.2 years). All patients proved to be infected with influenza A (H1N1) virus. The hematologic malignancies were acute myeloid leukemia (n = 8), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (n = 2), multiple myeloma (n = 1), and myelodysplastic syndrome (n = 1). All the patients underwent CT scanning using a 64 multidetector CT scanner. Chest CT scans were reviewed for ground-glass opacities (GGOs), consolidation, airway thickening/dilatation, nodules, mediastinal lymphadenopathy, and pleural effusion.


RESULTS
More than one CT finding was detected in every patient. Pulmonary affection was bilateral, more on the left side. The affections were mainly peribronchial. Airway wall thickening and dilatation were detected in all 12 patients, GGO in 9/12 patients, nodules in 6/12 patients, consolidation in 6/12 patients, hilar lymphadenopathy in 3/12 patients, and pleural effusion in 2/12 patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Acute myeloid leukemia is the most common hematologic malignancy affected by influenza A (H1N1) virus. The left lung is affected more than the right one. The most common multidetector CT findings are unilateral or bilateral airway thickening and dilatation. Multidetector CT can be used for early and accurate assessment of pulmonary affection with influenza A H1N1 virus infection.
Department of Radiology, Mansoura Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura, Egypt. adelelbadrawy@hotmail.com
Adel
A
El-Badrawy
Amany
A
Zeidan
Mohamed A
MA
Ebrahim
D000328:Adult; D003287:Contrast Media; D005260:Female; D019337:Hematologic Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D016867:Immunocompromised Host / Q000276:immunology*; D053118:Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype / Q000276:immunology*; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000276:immunology; D007472:Iohexol; D008168:Lung / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*; D055815:Young Adult
D003287:Contrast Media; D007472:Iohexol