Pulmonary acute graft-versus-host disease and infections after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in pediatric recipients: A comparative study on CT

Imaging of pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients: A COG Diagnostic Imaging Committee/SPR Oncology Committee White Paper

Imaging in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation patients is not targeted at evaluating the transplant per se. Rather, imaging is largely confined to evaluating peri-procedural and post-procedural complications. Alternatively, imaging may be performed to establish a baseline study for comparison should the patient develop certain post-procedural complications. This article looks to describe the various imaging modalities available with recommendations for which imaging study should be performed in specific complications. We also provide select imaging protocols for different indications and modalities for the purpose of establishing a set minimal standard for imaging in these complex patients.

Novel approaches to the prediction and diagnosis of pulmonary complications in the paediatric haematopoietic stem cell transplant patient

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) remains the only curative treatment option for many children with relapsed leukaemia, primary immunodeficiencies and haemoglobinopathies. Unfortunately, infectious and noninfectious pulmonary complications following HSCT continue to cause significant morbidity and mortality. This review will focus on recent advances in the field that enhance clinically available diagnostic tools and the role of novel diagnostic techniques.

RECENT FINDINGS

Research continues to highlight the role of standard diagnostic modalities, including imaging using computed topography chest and Fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) in the diagnosis of posttransplant pulmonary infections. Similarly, bronchoalveolar lavage using bronchoscopy to obtain samples for microbiological analysis remains an important tool in the clinical and diagnostic algorithm for these children. The application of more novel diagnostic techniques such as metagenomic next-generation sequencing and the use of specific biomarkers remain potential future tools in children in whom the aetiology of posttransplant lung disease is unknown. The impact of the pulmonary microbiome on infectious and noninfectious pulmonary disease post HSCT is a future research direction.

SUMMARY

Pulmonary infectious complications post HSCT remain a devastating complication for children and their families. Despite improvements in standard and novel diagnostic modalities, the aetiology of pulmonary disease remains unknown for many patients. There is an urgent need for ongoing collaborative research to bridge this critical knowledge gap and lead to better patient outcomes.