CT manifestations of respiratory syncytial virus infection in lung transplant recipients

Purpose: The purpose of our study was to evaluate CT findings during respir atory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in lung transplant recipients and to identify sequelae. Method: Thirty-nine CT scans prior to, during, and following acute infectio n in 10 lung transplant recipients were reviewed. Abnormalities that were n ew from baseline observations and occurred within 4 weeks of diagnosis were defined as acute. Chronic findings were defined as those present >4 weeks after diagnosis. Results: Findings in nine patients were ground-glass (seven), air-space (fi ve), and tree-in-bud (four) opacities and acute bronchial dilatation (four) and wall thickening (four). Patients lacked pleural effusions or lymph nod e enlargement. Five of seven patients with follow-up exams had new air trap ping (three), persistent bronchial dilatation (three), and thickening (two) . Three and 2 of the 10 patients developed bronchiolitis obliterans syndrom e and obliterative bronchiolitis, respectively. Conclusion: During acute infection, patients commonly had ground-glass opac ities but lacked pleural effusions and lymph node enlargement. There can be chronic sequelae after infection.