Presentation
Cough and SOB. Mild fever. Immunosuppressed, lung transplant previously.
Patient Data
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.