High-resolution CT evaluation of complications of lung transplanted patients for cystic fibrosis: preliminary results

High Resolution Computed Tomography has been used by many Authors to evalua te complications following lung transplantation. We report preliminary results obtained on 10 patients (4 men and 6 women, 1 8-33 years old, mean 26,5) affected by cystic fibrosis who performed HRCT o f the lung during the follow-up to identify acute and chronic changes occur ring after lung transplantation. CT findings were compared with the results obtained by bronchoscopy and spi rometry. HRCT showed: bronchial dehiscence in one case, bronchiolitis obliterans (1) , stenosis of bronchial airways in four patients, infection in 3 cases (CMV , Clamidia Psittacea and Aspergillosis). One patients died for pulmonary ed ema. One was treated for acute rejection. Better results has been obtained ill detecting stenosis and in the diagnosi s of infection. According to many authors, we believe HRCT may be useful because it can sho w early and late complications folio wing lung transplantation.