Abstract
BACKGROUND: Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (SCT) can be complicated by a variety of live-threatening infectious and non-infectious pulmonary complications. The management of these complications is critically dependent on the most probable diagnosis, which is in part based on imaging work-up.
METHODS: Systematic review of the literature related to the diagnostic value of high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) in patients who underwent SCT and developed respiratory symptoms.
RESULTS: Literature review did not reveal systematic cohort studies that included patients with respiratory symptoms post-SCT who underwent HRCT and had a well-defined outcome. Most studies selected participants based on their final diagnosis instead of the indication for diagnostic testing in practice. Nevertheless, several papers clearly indicated a potential role for HRCT when complications after SCT occur. A variety of articles described the role of certain HRCT findings in the diagnosis of specific infectious complications, but less data were available for non-infectious complications.
CONCLUSION: We believe more diagnostic studies are needed to determine the value of HRCT for a specific diagnosis in SCT-recipients who present with respiratory symptoms at the transplant clinic. Currently, radiologists should be cautious since HRCT interpretation in these patients is not unambiguous.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | e536-43 |
Journal | European Journal of Radiology |
Volume | 80 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Dec 2011 |
Keywords
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation/adverse effects
- Humans
- Radiographic Image Enhancement/methods
- Reproducibility of Results
- Respiration Disorders/diagnostic imaging
- Sensitivity and Specificity
- Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methods