Bilateral pneumonia in transplant lungs

Case contributed by Craig Hacking
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Cough and SOB. Mild fever. Immunosuppressed, lung transplant previously.

Patient Data

Age: 45 years
Gender: Male

Sternal wires in keeping with previous clamshell sternotomy for bilateral lung transplant.

Bilateral upper zone patchy airspace opacification.

Case Discussion

Lung transplant recipients are prone to a range of pulmonary infections due to immunosupression. This patient tested positive for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

RSV infection produces a range of clinical syndromes in patients following lung transplantation, ranging from mild respiratory complaints to severe pneumonia, bronchiolitis and respiratory failure. RSV infection is a risk factor for the development of bronchiolitis obliterans.

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