TRANSPLANTED LUNGS - NODULES FOLLOWING TRANSBRONCHIAL BIOPSY

PURPOSE: To determine how often nodules occur in lung allografts due t o transbronchial biopsy and the temporal-relationship between the deve lopment of these lesions and biopsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During 2 y ears, 141 computed tomographic (CT) studies and 324 transbronchial bio psies were performed in 40 patients who had undergone lung transplanta tion CT images and chest radiographs were retrospectively evaluated fo r evidence of lung injury. RESULTS: Thirteen CT studies of 12 patients revealed transbronchial biopsy injury. Seven cavitary and nine Sold n odules were seen a mean of 8.8 and 18.6 days after biopsy, respectivel y. Two nodules were detected prospectively on radiographs; seven, retr ospectively. In two patients, nodules not seen on chest radiographs ob tained immediately after biopsy were seen on radiographs obtained 8 an d 12 days later. Fifteen lesions resolved. One lesion left a linear sc ar. CONCLUSION: Nodules that represent transbronchial biopsy lung inju ry are seen on CT images up to 1 month after biopsy and may not be evi dent on chest radiographs obtained immediately after biopsy.