Imaging of posttransplantation lymphoproliferative disorder after solid organ transplantation

Imaging features of perinephric myxoid pseudotumors of fat

OBJECTIVE

Retrospectively evaluate multimodality imaging features of perinephric myxoid pseudotumor of fat (PMPTF).

METHODS

Institutional cases of PMPTF with CT, MRI and/or ultrasound evaluation from 1/1/2020 to 9/1/2023 were retrospectively reviewed. Patient demographics and clinical history were reviewed, and imaging features recorded.

RESULTS

14 patients with pathologically-proven PMPTF were identified (11 M, 3 F; mean age 66.7 ± 17.0 years; range 40-87 years). Three patients (18%) had bilateral lesions; a total of 17 PMPTFs were reviewed. 15/17 (88%) were biopsy-proven; two cases were diagnosed by imaging only in patients with a contralateral biopsy-proven PMPTF. All evaluable specimens were negative for MDM2 amplification. 11/17 (65%) occurred in patients with renal disease, including 4/17 (24%) in patients with renal transplant. 100% (17/17) had CT, 11/17 (65%) MRI, and 6/17 (35%) ultrasound. The mean largest lesion dimension was 10.9 ± 4.6 cm (range 4.3-17.0 cm). Of cases involving native kidneys, 7/13 (54%) presented as multifocal perinephric masses and 5/13 (38%) as a solitary perinephric mass. All four transplant cases presented as infiltrative-appearing masses involving the renal sinus with lesser perinephric involvement. 14/17 (82%) lesions contained macroscopic fat on CT and MRI and 3/17 (18%) showed no macroscopic fat, all involving renal transplants. All cases with MRI demonstrated T2 hyperintensity with signal dropout on opposed-phase imaging. 11/13 (85%) PMPTF showed no or equivocal CT enhancement. Enhancement was better seen on MRI in all cases evaluated by both CT and MRI. Of the six PMPTFs imaged by ultrasound, four (67%) were heterogeneously hypoechoic and two (33%) had mixed regions of hypo-, iso- and hyperechogenicity relative to adjacent renal parenchyma.

CONCLUSIONS

PMPTF is a rare, benign, and underrecognized lesion that may mimic malignancy, particularly retroperitoneal well-differentiated liposarcoma. The imaging features of this unusual pseudosarcoma differ in native and transplanted kidneys. Improved awareness of this entity will facilitate appropriate patient management and avoid unnecessary intervention.

Ultrasound innovations in abdominal radiology: multiparametic imaging in liver transplantation

PURPOSE

Ultrasound plays a central role in liver transplant evaluation. Acute, subacute, and chronic complications can be readily identified using grayscale and color Doppler ultrasound. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound adds a new dimension to liver transplant evaluation, depicting vascular and parenchymal processes with exquisite detail. In addition, emerging evidence suggests that contrast-enhanced ultrasound may allow for localization of biliary leak in select patients. We aimed to assess the use of multiparametric ultrasound-including grayscale, color and spectral Doppler, and contrast-enhanced ultrasound-in the setting of liver transplantation.

METHODS

A literature review was performed using the MEDLINE bibliographic database through the National Library of Medicine. The following terms were searched and relevant citations assessed: "abdominal ultrasound," "contrast-enhanced ultrasound," "liver transplant," and "ultrasound."

RESULTS

Grayscale and color Doppler ultrasound represent the mainstay imaging modalities for postoperative liver transplant evaluation. The addition of contrast enhancement plays a complementary role and can provide valuable information related to the allograft vasculature, parenchyma, and biliary tree. The appropriate implementation of grayscale, color Doppler, and contrast-enhanced ultrasound can optimize sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for the detection of liver transplantation complications, including hepatic artery stenosis, biliary leakage, and infection.

CONCLUSION

Multimodal sonographic evaluation is essential to identify postoperative complications in liver transplant recipients. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound may be of value in challenging cases, providing excellent anatomic delineation and reducing the risk of false-positive and false-negative diagnoses. A broad familiarity with appropriate applications of both nonenhanced and contrast-enhanced ultrasound may help radiologists optimize allograft assessment and improve patient outcomes.

Comprehensive review of imaging in pancreas transplantation: a primer for radiologists

Pancreas transplantation is a complex surgical procedure performed to restore normoglycemia in patients with type 1 diabetes and includes whole/segmental organ transplant and islet cell transplantation (ICT). In the United States, simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplant (SPK) is most commonly performed due to the higher occurrence of end-stage renal disease in diabetic patients. Understanding the surgical technique and postoperative anatomy is imperative for effective and accurate surveillance following transplantation. Imaging plays an essential role in patients with pancreatic transplants and is often used to evaluate viability, vascular and parenchymal anatomy, and identify potential complications. Imaging techniques such as ultrasound, color and spectral Doppler, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and angiography have a complementary role in the postoperative evaluation following a pancreas transplant. The common complications after a whole organ pancreas transplant include vascular thrombosis, graft rejection, pancreatitis, and infections. Complications can be classified into vascular (partial or complete venous thrombosis, arterial thrombosis, stenosis or pseudoaneurysm), parenchymal (pancreatitis, graft rejection), and bowel-related or miscellaneous causes (bowel obstruction, anastomotic leak, and peripancreatic fluid collections). Islet cell transplantation is an innovative therapy for patients with type 1 diabetes. It involves isolating insulin-producing islet cells from donor pancreas and transplanting into recipients, to provide long-term insulin independence or significantly reduce insulin requirements. In recent years, isolation techniques, immunosuppressive regimens, and post-transplant monitoring advancements have propelled ICT as a viable therapeutic option. This comprehensive review aims to provide insights into the current state-of-the-art imaging techniques discussing both normal and abnormal features following pancreas transplantation.

Imaging of Lung Transplantation

Lung transplantation is the only curative treatment for end-stage lung disease, which is caused by a wide variety of pathologies and encountered in a diverse range of patients. Potential recipients, as well as donors are carefully evaluated by imaging prior to transplant for contraindications to the transplant. After transplantation, recipients are imaged in the immediate, early, intermediate, and late periods for complications that may arise and require intervention. Radiography and computed tomography are the 2 most commonly used imaging modalities used to evaluate the chest after lung transplantation.

Pulmonary transplant complications: a radiologic review

Lung transplantation has become the definitive treatment for end stage respiratory disease. Numbers and survival rates have increased over the past decade, with transplant recipients living longer and with greater comorbidities, resulting in greater complexity of care. Common and uncommon complications that occur in the immediate, early, intermediate, and late periods can have significant impact on the course of the transplant. Fortunately, advancements in surgery, medical care, and imaging as well as other diagnostics work to prevent, identify, and manage complications that would otherwise have a negative impact on survivability. This review will focus on contextualizing complications both categorically and chronologically, with highlights of specific imaging and clinical features in order to inform both radiologists and clinicians involved in post-transplant care.

Intestinal and Multivisceral Transplantation: Complications

Advancements in immunosuppression protocols, surgical techniques, and postoperative care in the last few decades have improved outcomes of intestinal transplant patients. Normal immediate postoperative imaging appearance can simulate pathology. Intestinal transplant recipients are prone for several postoperative complications due to the complex surgical technique, which involves multiple anastomoses, and immunogenic nature of the allograft intestine. Imaging plays a crucial role in detection of several major complications including infectious, immunologic, vascular, gastrointestinal, pancreaticobiliary, genitourinary, and neoplastic complications. The awareness of the posttransplant anatomy and normal imaging appearances helps radiologists anticipate and accurately detect posttransplant complications.

Immunosuppressive Therapy in Solid Organ Transplantation: Primer for Radiologists and Potential Complications

The availability of effective immunosuppressive medication is primarily responsible for the dramatic improvement in long-term graft survival rates after solid organ transplantation. The commonly used drugs include monoclonal/polyclonal antibodies, corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors (cyclosporine and tacrolimus), antimetabolites, mammalian target of rapamycin, and many novel drugs. Prolonged immunosuppression is accompanied by several well-described potentially life-threatening complications. In addition to drug-related side effects, recipients of solid organs are unavoidably at a higher risk for infections and malignancies. Select infections and malignancies in solid organ transplant patients have distinctive imaging findings, and radiologists play a crucial role in the timely diagnosis and management of these conditions.

Imaging in Lung Transplantation: Surgical Techniques and Complications

Lung transplant is an established treatment for patients with end-stage lung disease. As a result, there is increased demand for transplants. Despite improvements in pretransplant evaluation, surgical techniques, and postsurgical care, the average posttransplant life expectancy is only around 6.5 years. Early recognition of complications on imaging and treatment can improve survival. Knowledge of surgical techniques and imaging findings of surgical and nonsurgical complications is essential. This review covers surgical techniques and imaging appearance of postsurgical and nonsurgical complications, including allograft dysfunction, infections, neoplasms, and recurrence of primary lung disease.

Imaging of Hepatobiliary Cancer

The liver and biliary tree are common sites of primary and secondary malignancies. MRI followed by CT is the mainstay for the imaging characterization of these malignancies with the dynamically acquired contrast enhanced phases being the most important for diagnosis. The liver imaging reporting and data system classification provides a useful framework for reporting lesions in patents with underlying cirrhosis or who are at high risk for developing hepatocellular carcinoma. Detection of metastases is improved with the use of liver specific MRI contrast agents and diffusion weighted sequences. Aside from hepatocellular carcinoma, which is often diagnosed noninvasively, other primary hepatobiliary tumors may require biopsy for definite diagnosis, especially when presenting with nonclassic imaging findings. In this review, we examine the imaging findings of common and less common hepatobiliary tumors.

Primary Lymphoproliferative Lung Diseases: Imaging and Multidisciplinary Approach

Lymphoproliferative lung diseases are a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by primary or secondary involvement of the lung. Primary pulmonary lymphomas are the most common type, representing 0.5–1% of all primary malignancies of the lung. The radiological presentation is often heterogeneous and non-specific: consolidations, masses, and nodules are the most common findings, followed by ground-glass opacities and interstitial involvement, more common in secondary lung lymphomas. These findings usually show a prevalent perilymphatic spread along bronchovascular bundles, without a prevalence in the upper or lower lung lobes. An ancillary sign, such as a “halo sign”, “reverse halo sign”, air bronchogram, or CT angiogram sign, may be present and can help rule out a differential diagnosis. Since a wide spectrum of pulmonary parenchymal diseases may mimic lymphoma, a correct clinical evaluation and a multidisciplinary approach are mandatory. In this sense, despite High-Resolution Computer Tomography (HRCT) representing the gold standard, a tissue sample is needed for a certain and definitive diagnosis. Cryobiopsy is a relatively new technique that permits the obtaining of a larger amount of tissue without significant artifacts, and is less invasive and more precise than surgical biopsy.

Multimodality imaging findings of infection-induced tumors

Several infections can predispose to certain malignancies in different body parts. These infections include viral, bacterial, and fungal pathogens. Imaging plays a vital role in the diagnosis, staging, and management of these neoplastic conditions. Furthermore, it can help in differentiating infection-related non-neoplastic processes that can mimic malignancies. Both radiologists and clinicians should be familiar with these conditions. This review discusses the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and imaging features of infection-related tumors.

Pulmonary lymphoproliferative disorders in children: a practical review

Pulmonary lymphoproliferative disorders represent an uncommon spectrum of proliferation of lymphoid tissue in the lung parenchyma ranging from benign hyperplasia to malignancy. They tend to occur in certain clinical situations and have typical imaging features that together can be used by the radiologist to suggest these entities as part of the differential diagnosis. We review key clinical, histopathological and computed tomography features of pulmonary lymphoproliferative disorders in children including follicular bronchiolitis, lymphoid interstitial pneumonia, granulomatous-lymphocytic interstitial lung disease, lymphoma and post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder to familiarize the pediatric radiologist with this group of disorders.

Percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsies in immunocompromised hosts with suspicious pulmonary infection: diagnostic yields and complications

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary infection is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients, in whom diagnostic yields of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT)-guided percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsies (PTNBs) have not been evaluated so far.

PURPOSE

To evaluate diagnostic yields and complications of CBCT-guided PTNBs in immunocompromised patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

From January 2015 to January 2018, 43 patients (25 men, 18 women; mean age 54.1 ± 16.4 years) who were suspected of having pulmonary infections were included in this retrospective study. Electronic medical records and radiologic studies were reviewed, including the underlying medical status, information on target lesions, PTNB procedural factors, and pathologic results. Logistic regression was performed to explore factors related with post-PTNB complications.

RESULTS

Among 43 patients, specific causative organisms or family of organisms were identified by PTNBs in 16 patients (37.2%). The most common causative organism was fungus (10/16, 62.5%), while bacterial infection was pathologically proven only in one patient (6.3%). Clinically significant change in management occurred in 12 of 43 patients (27.9%). Post-PTNB complications developed in 12 patients (27.9%; pneumothorax [n = 6] and hemoptysis [n = 6]) without PTNB-related mortality. Lower lobar location (odds ratio [OR] = 0.07, P = 0.006) was related with post-PTNB pneumothorax, while lower platelet counts (≤127 × 10³/µL) were associated with post-PTNB hemoptysis (OR = 9.82, P = 0.025).

CONCLUSION

CBCT-guided PTNBs revealed microbiological pathogens in 37.2% of immunocompromised patients and led to subsequent clinical actions in 27.9% of patients. Post-PTNB complications occurred in 27.9% of patients, and it might be necessary to perform PTNBs more carefully in immunocompromised patients with lower platelet counts.

Human Oncoviruses and Thoracic Tumors: Understanding the Imaging Findings

Approximately 1.4 million virus-induced cancers occur annually, representing roughly 10% of the cancer burden worldwide. Seven oncogenic DNA and RNA viruses (ie, oncoviruses) are implicated in approximately 12%-25% of all human cancers owing to a variety of mechanisms as uncommon consequences of the normal viral life cycle. These seven well-recognized human oncoviruses are Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), human T-lymphotropic virus 1, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, HIV, human papilloma virus (HPV), and human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8). Several viruses-namely, EBV, HPV, and Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus or HHV-8-are increasingly being recognized as being related to HIV and/or AIDS, the growing number of transplant cases, and the use of immunosuppressive therapies. Infectious and inflammatory processes, and the accompanying lymphadenopathy, are great mimickers of human oncovirus-related tumors. Although it is often difficult to differentiate these entities, the associated clinical setting and radiologic findings may provide clues for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management. Malignant lymphoid lesions are best evaluated with multidetector chest CT. The radiologic findings of these lesions are often nonspecific and are best interpreted in correlation with clinical data and histopathologic findings. ^©RSNA, 2022.

Gastrointestinal Manifestations of Immunodeficiency: Imaging Spectrum

There is a wide spectrum of hereditary and acquired immunodeficiency disorders that are characterized by specific abnormalities involving a plethora of humoral, cellular, and phagocytic immunologic pathways. These include distinctive primary immunodeficiency syndromes due to characteristic genetic defects and secondary immunodeficiency syndromes, such as AIDS from HIV infection and therapy-related immunosuppression in patients with cancers or a solid organ or stem cell transplant. The gut mucosa and gut-associated lymphoid tissue (the largest lymphoid organ in the body), along with diverse commensal microbiota, play complex and critical roles in development and modulation of the immune system. Thus, myriad gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are common in immunocompromised patients and may be due to inflammatory conditions (graft versus host disease, neutropenic enterocolitis, or HIV-related proctocolitis), opportunistic infections (viral, bacterial, fungal, or protozoal), or malignancies (Kaposi sarcoma, lymphoma, posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder, or anal cancer). GI tract involvement in immunodeficient patients contributes to significant morbidity and mortality. Along with endoscopy and histopathologic evaluation, imaging plays an integral role in detection, localization, characterization, and distinction of GI tract manifestations of various immunodeficiency syndromes and their complications. Select disorders demonstrate characteristic findings at fluoroscopy, CT, US, and MRI that permit timely and accurate diagnosis. While neutropenic enterocolitis affects the terminal ileum and right colon and occurs in patients receiving chemotherapy for hematologic malignancies, Kaposi sarcoma commonly manifests as bull's-eye lesions in the stomach and duodenum. Imaging is invaluable in treatment follow-up and long-term surveillance as well. Online supplemental material is available for this article. ^©RSNA, 2022.

Liver Transplant Imaging prior to and during the COVID-19 Pandemic

BACKGROUND

The suspension of the surgical activity, the burden of the infection in immunosuppressed patients, and the comorbidities underlying end-stage organ disease have impacted transplant programs significantly, even life-saving procedures, such as liver transplantation.

METHODS

A review of the literature was conducted to explore the challenges faced by transplant programs and the adopted strategies to overcome them, with a focus on indications for imaging in liver transplant candidates.

RESULTS

Liver transplantation relies on an appropriate imaging method for its success. During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, chest CT showed an additional value to detect early signs of SARS-CoV-2 infection and other screening modalities are less accurate than radiology.

CONCLUSION

There is an emerging recognition of the chest CT value to recommend its use and help COVID-19 detection in patients. This examination appears highly sensitive for liver transplant candidates and recipients, who otherwise would have not undergone it, particularly when asymptomatic.

Complications of Lung Transplantation: Update on Imaging Manifestations and Management

As lung transplantation has become the most effective definitive treatment option for end-stage chronic respiratory diseases, yearly rates of this surgery have been steadily increasing. Despite improvement in surgical techniques and medical management of transplant recipients, complications from lung transplantation are a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Some of these complications can be classified on the basis of the time they typically occur after lung transplantation, while others may occur at any time. Imaging studies, in conjunction with clinical and laboratory evaluation, are key components in diagnosing and monitoring these conditions. Therefore, radiologists play a critical role in recognizing and communicating findings suggestive of lung transplantation complications. A description of imaging features of the most common lung transplantation complications, including surgical, medical, immunologic, and infectious complications, as well as an update on their management, will be reviewed here. Keywords: Pulmonary, Thorax, Surgery, Transplantation Supplemental material is available for this article. © RSNA, 2021.

Posttransplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder Status Post-Solid Organ Transplant Presenting to the Emergency Department: Single Institute Experience

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical, laboratory, imaging, and pathology findings associated with emergency department presentations of posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) after solid organ transplant (SOT).

METHODS

Fifteen patients presenting to a single tertiary care center between 2004 and 2019 with PTLD after SOT were identified from a pathology database. Twelve patients presenting through the emergency department were included in the study. Demographic, clinical, imaging, pathology, treatment, and outcome data were reviewed.

RESULTS

Among this 12 patient cohort (7 men; mean age, 44.2 years), transplant history included 4 combined kidney/pancreas, 4 kidney, 2 liver, 1 cardiac, and 1 lung. Mean time from transplant to diagnosis was 7.6 years. Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder was identified on initial computed tomography scans in 10 of 12 patients. The most common sites for PTLD development were the gastrointestinal tract (4/12) and liver (3/12). Outcomes included resolution of PTLD in 9 of 12 patients, with 3 patients dying within 6 months of diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder is a serious consequence of solid organ transplantation that can present in various locations and with varied symptomatology in the emergency setting. Other posttransplant complications may present similarly including chronic rejection and infection. Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder should be considered in SOT patients presenting with worsening abdominal pain or constitutional symptoms, even with normal laboratory workup.

HCC: role of pre- and post-treatment tumor biology in driving adverse outcomes and rare responses to therapy

Liver cancer is the fastest-growing cause of cancer deaths in the United States and is a complex disease. The response of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) to treatment can be variable. Predicting response to determine the most effective therapy is an active area of research. Our understanding of underlying factors which drive response to therapy is continually increasing. As more therapies for the treatment of this disease evolve, it is crucial to identify and match the ideal therapy for a particular tumor and patient. The potential predicative imaging features of tumor behavior, while of research interest, have not been validated for clinical use and do not currently inform treatment planning. If further validated though, prognostic features may be used in the future to personalize treatment plans according to individual patients and tumors. Unexpected post-treatment responses such as potential tumor biology changes and abscopal effect which are important to be aware of. This review is intended for radiologists who routinely interpret post treatment HCC imaging and is designed to increase their cognizance about how HCC tumor biology drives response to therapy and explore rare responses to therapy.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Liver Transplant

MR imaging increasingly has been adopted for follow-up imaging post-liver transplantation and for diagnosis of its complications. These include vascular and biliary complications as well as post-transplant malignancies. Interpretation of postoperative MR imaging should take into account the surgical technique and expected post-transplant changes. Contrast-enhanced MR imaging has high sensitivity for identification of vascular complications. MR cholangiopancreatography on the other hand is the most accurate noninvasive method for evaluation of biliary complications.

A Tale of Two Organ Systems: Imaging Review of Diseases Affecting the Thoracic and Neurological Systems. Part 2

In an era of rapidly expanding knowledge and sub-specialization, it is becoming increasingly common to focus on one organ system. However, the human body is intimately linked, and disease processes affecting one region of the body not uncommonly affect the other organ systems as well. Understanding diseases from a macroscopic perspective, rather than a narrow vantage point, enables efficient and accurate diagnosis. This tenet holds true for diseases affecting both the thoracic and neurologic systems; in isolation, the radiologic appearance of disease in one organ system may be nonspecific, but viewing the pathophysiologic process in both organ systems may markedly narrow the differential considerations, and potentially lead to a definitive diagnosis. In this article, we discuss a variety of disease entities known to affect both the thoracic and neurological systems, either manifesting simultaneously or at different periods of time. Some of these conditions may show neither thoracic nor neurological manifestations. These diseases have been systematically classified into infectious, immune-mediated/ inflammatory, vascular, syndromic/ hereditary and neoplastic disorders. The underlying pathophysiological mechanisms linking both regions and radiologic appearances in both organ systems are discussed. When appropriate, brief clinical and diagnostic information is provided. Ultimately, accurate diagnosis will lead to expedited triage and prompt institution of potentially life-saving treatment for these groups of complex disorders.

Imaging Course of Lung Transplantation: From Patient Selection to Postoperative Complications

Lung transplant is increasingly performed for the treatment of end-stage lung disease. As the number of lung transplants and transplant centers continues to rise, radiologists will more frequently participate in the care of patients undergoing lung transplant, both before and after transplant. Potential donors and recipients undergo chest radiography and CT as part of their pretransplant assessment to evaluate for contraindications to transplant and to aid in surgical planning. After transplant, recipients undergo imaging during the postoperative hospitalization and also in the long-term outpatient setting. Radiologists encounter a wide variety of conditions leading to end-stage lung disease and a myriad of posttransplant complications, some of which are unique to lung transplantation. Familiarity with these pathologic conditions, including their imaging findings and their temporal relationship to the transplant, is crucial to accurate radiologic interpretation. Knowledge of the surgical techniques and expected postoperative appearance prevents confusing normal posttransplant imaging findings with complications. A basic understanding of the indications, contraindications, and surgical considerations of lung transplant aids in imaging interpretation and protocoling and also facilitates communication between radiologists and transplant physicians. Despite medical and surgical advances over the past several decades, lung transplant recipients currently have an average posttransplant life expectancy of only 6.7 years. As members of the transplant team, radiologists can help maximize patient survival and hopefully increase posttransplant life expectancy and quality of life in the coming decades. ^©RSNA, 2021 An invited commentary by Bierhals is available online. Online supplemental material is available for this article.

Tuberculosis in Posttransplant Recipients: Challenges in Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography Reporting in Countries with a High Prevalence of Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) is a common bacterial infection in developing countries. Solid-organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients are more prone to this infection. Reactivation from previously acquired infection is the most common mode. It has to be ruled out in cases of pyrexia of unknown origin (PUO) before ruling out the other possibilities. We present two cases of incidentally detected TB in the posttransplant patients referred for the evaluation of PUO.

Imaging features of fungal pneumonia in haematopoietic stem cell transplant patients

Patients who have received haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) have a high rate of pulmonary complications, and in this immunosuppressed population, fungal pneumonia is of great concern. Fungal pneumonia can have a similar appearance to non-infectious pulmonary processes in HSCT patients, and radiologists should be familiar with the subtle features that may help to differentiate these disease entities. The focus of this article is on the diagnosis of fungal pneumonia in HSCT patients with an emphasis on radiologists’ roles in establishing the diagnosis of fungal pneumonia and the guidance of clinical management.

Imaging in whole organ pancreatic transplants and a multimodality review of its complications

This pictorial review will describe the normal anatomy of whole organ pancreatic transplants and the common surgical variants with which the radiologist should be familiar. Complications may be divided into (1) vascular: arterial occlusion and stenosis, venous thrombosis, pseudoaneurysms and arteriovenous fistulae, (2) parenchymal complications such as pancreatitis and the variety of peripancreatic collections, and (3) enteric complications including leak and fistula formation. The radiologist plays a crucial role in the initial assessment of graft anatomy and perfusion, prompt diagnosis, and increasingly, in the management of complications.

18F-FDG PET/CT for Evaluation of Post-Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder (PTLD)

Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD) are a spectrum of heterogeneous lymphoproliferative conditions that are serious and possibly fatal complications after solid organ or allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Most PTLD are attributed to Epstein-Barr virus reactivation in B-cells in the setting of immunosuppression after transplantation. Early diagnosis, accurate staging, and timely treatment are of vital importance to reduce morbidity and mortality. Given the often nonspecific clinical presentation and disease heterogeneity of PTLD, tissue biopsy and histopathological analysis are essential to establish diagnosis and most importantly, determine the subtype of PTLD, which guides treatment options. Advanced imaging modalities such as ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT have played an increasingly important role and have shown high sensitivity and specificity in detection, staging, and assessing treatment response in multiple clinical studies over the last two decades. However, larger multicenter prospective validation is still needed to further establish the clinical utility of PET imaging in the management of PTLD. Significantly, new hybrid imaging modalities such as PET/MR may help reduce radiation exposure, which is especially important in pediatric transplant patients.

Sonography of liver transplantation

Orthotopic liver transplant (OLT) is established as the definitive treatment of choice for end stage liver disease. Over the years, refined surgical techniques as well as advancements in organ preservation and immunosuppressive regimens have improved graft and patient survival rates. Imaging has also contributed to improved graft and patient survival. Ultrasound is the initial investigation of choice for evaluation of post-transplant anatomy and for identifying early complications. A thorough knowledge of surgical techniques and normal post-operative appearance of the OLT is needed to accurately identify and characterize graft complications. The objective of this article is to review the sonographic findings of normal liver transplant as well as post-operative complications. Indications and contraindications for OLT as well as different surgical techniques will also be briefly reviewed.

Complications of liver transplant

Liver transplantation has become a definitive treatment for patients with end-stage liver disease and those meeting Milan criteria for hepatocellular carcinoma. The morbidity and mortality associated with liver transplantation continues to decrease thanks to refinements in surgical technique, immunosuppression, and imaging. In particular, imaging plays a vital role by facilitating early detection of post-operative complications and enabling prompt treatment. Post-operative complications that lead to graft failure and patient morbidity/mortality can be generally categorized as vascular, biliary, parenchymal, and malignant. Vascular complications include stenosis and thrombosis of the hepatic artery, portal vein, and inferior vena cava; hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm; arteriovenous fistula; and celiac stenosis. Biliary abnormalities include strictures, bile leak, obstruction, recurrent disease, and infection. While imaging is not primarily utilized to diagnose allograft rejection, it plays an important role in excluding mechanical causes of graft dysfunction that can mimic rejection. Ultrasound is routinely performed as the first-line imaging evaluation for the detection and follow-up of early and delayed complications. Cholangiography and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography are useful in detecting and characterizing biliary complications. Computed tomography is often used to further evaluate abnormal findings on ultrasound or for the characterization of post-operative fluid collections. The aim of this review is to discuss and illustrate the imaging findings of complications associated with liver transplantation and their role in facilitating treatment.

Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound for the Evaluation of Renal Transplants

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound has emerged as a useful imaging modality for the evaluation of the transplant kidney. Advantages over traditional imaging modalities such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging include the ability to visualize a lesion's enhancement pattern in real time, the lack of nephrotoxicity, and relatively low cost. Potential uses of contrast-enhanced ultrasound include characterization of solid and cystic transplant renal masses, assessment for pyelonephritis and identification of its complications, and evaluation of transplant complications in immediate and delayed settings. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound will likely play an increasing role for evaluating the transplant kidney, as an accurate diagnosis based on imaging can direct treatment and prevent unnecessary interventions.

Primary lung neoplasms presenting as multiple synchronous lung nodules

Multiple synchronous lung nodules are frequently encountered on computed tomography (CT) scanning of the chest and are most commonly either non-neoplastic or metastases from a known primary malignancy. The finding may initiate a search for primary malignancy elsewhere in the body. An exception to this rule, however, is a class of rare primary lung neoplasms that originate from epithelial (pneumocytes and neuroendocrine), mesenchymal (vascular and meningothelial) and lymphoid tissues of the lung. While these rare neoplasms also present as multiple synchronous unilateral or bilateral lung nodules on chest CT, they are often overlooked in favour of more common causes of multiple lung nodules. The correct diagnosis may be suggested by a multidisciplinary team and established on biopsy, performed either as part of routine diagnostic work-up or staging for malignancy. In this review, we discuss clinical presentations, imaging features, pathology findings and subsequent management of these rare primary neoplasms of the lung.

Radiologic Differentiation of Primary CNS Posttransplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder From Brain Metastasis

OBJECTIVE. Primary CNS posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) may present as multiple contrast-enhancing intraaxial lesions, often with central necrosis and surrounding edema. This imaging appearance is similar to the pattern seen in brain metastases. The purpose of this study was to find differences in the radiologic features of primary CNS PTLD lesions and brain metastases. MATERIALS AND METHODS. We retrospectively reviewed the radiologic findings of 51 primary CNS PTLD lesions in 10 patients and 156 metastatic brain lesions in 25 patients. Lesion size, multifocality, location, necrosis, hemorrhage, perilesional vasogenic edema, contrast enhancement, and diffusion and perfusion features were evaluated. We used the chi-square test or Fisher exact test when appropriate to compare the findings between primary CNS PTLD lesions and brain metastases. RESULTS. Primary CNS PTLD lesions occur in the deep gray matter and periventricular locations more frequently than brain metastases (p < 0.0001) and are not present at the gray and white matter junctions and vascular border zones as commonly as brain metastases are (p < 0.0001). Primary CNS PTLD tends to have less frequent hemorrhage (p < 0.0001), more restricted diffusion (p = 0.001), and lower perfusion (p = 0.002) than brain metastases. We did not find statistically significant differences between primary CNS PTLD and brain metastases for lesion size, multifocality, necrosis, and perilesional edema. CONCLUSION. The imaging characteristics of primary CNS PTLD overlap considerably with those of brain metastases, but there are significant differences between primary CNS PTLD lesions and brain metastases in lesion location, diffusion and perfusion features, and tendency to hemorrhage.

Intracranial peripherally enhancing lesions in cardiac transplant recipients: A rare case series and literature review

Intracranial peripherally enhancing lesions in immunosuppressed solid organ transplant recipients represent a unique diagnostic and management dilemma due to the vast array of differentials that demand consideration. Diagnosis of the underlying pathology is often guided by the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We present the first published case series of three cardiac transplant recipients with significantly atypical neuroradiological findings contrary to the tenets of contemporary literature. Our rare case series consists of: (1) A sterile Mycobacterium pyogenic abscess mimicking glioblastoma multiforme due to an immunosuppressed state (2) Epstein Barr Virus encephalitis masquerading as Central Nervous System Post-Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder (3) An unusual case of partially treated disseminated Nocardiosis warning of the need to consider the immunosuppressed state and partial treatment response obfuscating classical MRI appearances. We utilise these unprecedented cases as the basis of a literature review to understand the pathophysiology behind the peculiar imaging findings in this rarefied cohort of transplant recipients, and rationalise why the MRI findings in each instance contradicts the accepted imaging patterns. In the setting of potential unreliability of neuroradiology in this immunosuppressed unique subgroup, we hope to impart to clinicians that definitive diagnosis obtained by emergent neurosurgical intervention may be necessary to accurately and expediently guide further medical management.

Post-lung transplantation abdominopelvic complications: the role of multimodal imaging

Lung transplantation (LT) is an established method for treating end-stage lung disease. Although most of the post-lung transplant imaging surveillance is focused on chronic lung allograft rejection, abdominopelvic complications have been reported in 7-62% of patients. The reported wide range of post-LT abdominopelvic complications is thought to be secondary to lack of current standardized definitions. These complications encompass a heterogeneous group of disorders including upper and lower gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, inflammatory conditions of solid organs, lymphoproliferative disorders, and neoplasms; each with varying pathophysiology, timing, severity, and treatment. Clinical manifestations of these complications may overlap or be masked by immunosuppression; therefore, imaging plays a paramount role in the early management and treatment.

Small bowel transplant: state-of-the-art vascular and nonvascular imaging

BACKGROUND

Small bowel transplant (SBT) is a surgical procedure that may be used in patients with pathology resulting in severe intestinal failure resistant to conventional forms of surgical and nonsurgical treatment. Intestinal failure is defined as the failure of enterocytes to absorb sufficient macronutrients, water, and/or electrolytes to sustain homeostasis and/or promote growth. With the advancement of surgical techniques and advancements in perioperative transplant management, SBT has become an increasingly common treatment for intestinal failure, with survival rates for SBT comparable to those for other solid organ transplants.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This review provides background on SBT, its variations, and the associated preoperative and postoperative imaging studies with regard to surgical planning and anticipated complications.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

With the increasing use of SBT, radiologists will be expected to be familiar with the diagnostic studies and available endovascular interventions associated with this procedure.

Posttransplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder in Children: A 360-degree Perspective

An earlier incorrect version of this article appeared online. This article was corrected on December 17, 2019.

Clinical and Radiographic Characteristics of Sinonasal Posttransplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder and Invasive Fungal Sinusitis

BACKGROUND

Sinonasal posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a serious but uncommon complication of solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation that can overlap in many features with invasive fungal sinusitis (IFS).

OBJECTIVE

To identify clinical, laboratory, and radiographic features that may help to differentiate sinonasal IFS and PTLD in the posttransplant population.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective chart review of patients with posttransplant sinonasal PTLD and IFS to evaluate for clinical, laboratory, and imaging characteristics.

RESULTS

A total of 4 patients with sinonasal PTLD and 10 posttransplant IFS patients were evaluated. A total of 2 of 4 PTLD patients presented with a symptom duration of greater than 3 months compared to none in the IFS group (p = 0.07). Mean absolute neutrophil count (ANC) was 2,976 per mm3 (range 2,488-3,462) in the PTLD group compared to 773 per mm3 (range 0.0-2,744) in the IFS group (p = 0.01). Both PTLD lesions with available diffusion-weighted imaging demonstrated diffusion restriction on magnetic resonance im-aging (MRI) compared to zero of the IFS lesions (p = 0.10). No PTLD lesions demonstrated mucosal infarcts compared to three of seven IFS lesions (p = 0.23).

CONCLUSION

IFS was associated with a significantly lower ANC at the time of diagnosis compared to PTLD. Additionally, three other measures trend towards association with their respective pathology. PTLD typically has a more chronic time course than IFS, diffusion restriction on MRI is predominantly associated with PTLD patients, and mucosal infarct on MRI is more suggestive of IFS. Additionally, all cases of sinonasal PTLD arose following solid organ transplantation. These factors may assist clinicians during diagnosis.

A Review of Viral-Related Malignancies and the Associated Imaging Findings

OBJECTIVE. Imaging plays an important role in the diagnosis and staging of malignancies. Many common lymphoproliferative and other solid tumor malignancies can be viral-related. CONCLUSION. This review discusses the imaging findings that can be associated with common viral-induced malignancies. Knowledge of these imaging presentations can help narrow the differential diagnosis to reach a specific diagnosis through a precise workup and proper management.

Primary pulmonary lymphoma: imaging findings in 30 cases

PURPOSE

To present our experience of cases of primary pulmonary lymphoma (PPL) found between January 2002 and July 2018, focusing on the radiological features and the differential diagnosis in order to contribute to the difficult role of the radiologist in the disease identification and to help the clinicians to reach the diagnosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

CT scans of 30 patients (14 men and 16 women, aged 58-86, mean age 72 years) with PPL were retrospectively reviewed. All patients had a histopathological confirmation of the disease: MALT lymphoma (23 patients, 76.6%); diffuse large B-cell lymphoma-DLBCL (seven patients, 23.4%). All the staging CT scans were evaluated by three experienced radiologists dedicated to thoracic disease in order to radiologically define the predominant pattern of presentation.

RESULTS

The following parenchymal patterns were observed: 11 patients with single/multiple nodules, five with masses/mass-like consolidations, 14 with consolidations with air bronchogram, 16 with ground-glass opacity, ten with angiogram sign, 22 with perilymphatic and/or peribronchovascular spread, 15 with associated lymphadenopathies, and 13 with pleural/chest wall involvement. The main characteristics of PPLs were the presence of consolidations and ground-glass opacities, with perilymphatic and/or bronchovascular spread.

CONCLUSION

All the characteristics of the work should alert the radiologist to consider lymphoma among the possible differential diagnoses, always correlating the results of the CT examination with appropriate clinical laboratory evaluations.

Multimodality imaging of small bowel neoplasms

Although the small intestine accounts for over 90% of the surface area of the alimentary tract, tumors of the small intestine represent less than 5% of all gastrointestinal tract neoplasms. Common small bowel tumors typically are well evaluated with cross-sectional imaging modalities such as CT and MR, but accurate identification and differentiation can be challenging. Differentiating normal bowel from abnormal tumor depends on imaging modality and the particular technique. While endoscopic evaluation is typically more sensitive for the detection of intraluminal tumors that can be reached, CT and MR, as well as select nuclear medicine studies, remain superior for evaluating extraluminal neoplasms. Understanding the imaging characteristics of typical benign and malignant small bowel tumors is critical, because of overlapping features and associated secondary complications.

Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder presenting with multifocal aggressive osseous lesions

Post-transplantation lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) encompasses a broad category of lymphoid and plasmacytic proliferations that occur following solid organ and/or allogeneic stem cell transplantation. PTLD manifests in the setting of chronic immunosuppression and is thought to be associated with the Epstein Barr Virus, although Epstein Barr Virus infection or reactivation is not required for the process to occur. Pathologic correlation is necessary for diagnosis with B-cell lymphocytes the most commonly isolated cellular etiology. There is a broad range of clinical and imaging presentations of PTLD with intestinal and nodal involvement being the most common. Imaging plays an integral part in the diagnosis and management of PTLD, as it is utilized in the initial diagnosis and staging, guiding biopsy of lesions, and gauging treatment response. Presenting symptoms of PTLD are often vague and nonspecific and depend on the organ systems affected. Musculoskeletal involvement is especially rare, with only a few cases described in the literature. We present a case with multifocal osseous manifestations of PTLD occurring years after a renal living donor transplant.

Primary central nervous system post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders: the spectrum of imaging appearances and differential

OBJECTIVE

Central nervous system post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (CNS-PTLD) is a rare disease that presents with non-specific signs and symptoms. The purpose of this article is to present the imaging appearances of CNS-PTLD by magnetic resonance imaging. We highlight the differential diagnostic considerations including primary central nervous system lymphoma, glioblastoma, cerebral abscess, and metastatic disease. This is an important topic to review since in daily practice the diagnosis of CNS-PTLD is often not initially considered when present due to its rarity and the lack of radiologists' familiarity with the disease.

CONCLUSION

Knowing the unique imaging features of CNS-PTLD narrows the differential diagnosis, facilitates the diagnostic work-up, and optimizes making the diagnosis. Advanced MRI data for CNS PTLD is limited but is promising for helping with narrowing the differential diagnosis.

Case 260: Endobronchial Posttransplantation Lymphoproliferative Disease

History A 31-year-old woman with a history of bilateral orthotopic lung transplantation performed 10 months earlier for cystic fibrosis presented for a routine follow-up appointment, with her chief symptom being a cough. The cough started approximately 1 month prior to this appointment and was minimally productive of clear to yellow phlegm. In addition to her cough, she reported increased sinus congestion and a sensation of "something in her upper chest." She denied shortness of breath, wheezing, hemoptysis, or cigarette smoking. Review of systems was negative for fever, chills, or night sweats. At physical examination, the patient was afebrile, borderline tachycardic (heart rate, 99 beats per minute), and mildly hypertensive (blood pressure, 138/99 mm Hg). Oxygen saturation was 96% on room air. Laboratory evaluation revealed a white blood cell count of 3.5 × 10⁹/L (normal range, [3.2-9.8] × 10⁹/L). Pulmonary function testing was notable for a newly decreased ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV₁) to forced vital capacity (FVC) of 64% (2.0 and 3.4 L, respectively) (normal FEV₁-to-FVC ratio, 80%), suggesting an obstructive lung process. One month prior to presentation, the patient's sputum cultures grew Pseudomonas and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The patient showed no evidence of active infection at the time of bronchoscopy. Thus, the bacteria were favored to reflect colonization, and antibiotic therapy was not administered at that time. The patient was taking an immunosuppression regimen of mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept; Genentech, San Francisco, Calif) (1 g twice daily), prednisone (10 mg daily), and tacrolimus (Prograf; Astellas Pharma US, Northbrook, Ill) (goal therapeutic range, 12-14 ng/mL). The patient was sent for posteroanterior and lateral chest radiography followed by chest CT ( Figs 1 - 3 ) and fluorine 18 (¹⁸F) fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT ( Fig 4 ).

Multi-Modality Imaging Evaluation of the Whole-Organ Pancreas Transplant

Pancreas transplants are an important treatment options for patients with severe diabetes mellitus and other medical conditions. Multiple-imaging modalities, including computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound (US) are available to evaluate the pancreas transplants and their vascular supply, with the graft having a characteristic appearance on each modality. Complications of the graft and its vascular supply present interesting challenges to the clinicians and radiologists caring for this patient population. Being able to identify the imaging appearance of normal and abnormal pancreas transplants, it is necessary to ensure these patients are provided optimal care.

MRI of the bowel - beyond inflammatory bowel disease

MR enterography is traditionally used to evaluate inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) both at initial presentation and at follow-up. MR enterography can also be used to evaluate non-IBD conditions such as polyps or other masses of the gastrointestinal tract. In this article, we emphasize how to recognize bowel conditions beyond IBD on conventional abdominal MRI without a specific enterographic technique. In this overview we discuss common and uncommon pediatric bowel conditions beyond IBD seen on MRI including infectious and inflammatory conditions, congenital diseases and tumor and tumor-like conditions. Radiologists should become familiar with the salient imaging features of these bowel conditions to help guide management.

Intestinal transplants: review of normal imaging appearance and complications

Intestinal transplant (IT) is one of the least common forms of organ transplant but is increasing both in volume of cases and number of centers performing intestinal transplants, with the busiest centers in North America and Europe. IT can be performed in isolation or as part of a multivisceral transplant (MVT). Intestinal failure either in the form of short gut syndrome or functional bowel problems is the primary indication for IT. The normal post-surgical anatomy can be variable due to both recipient anatomy in regard to amount of residual bowel and status of native vasculature as well as whether the transplant is isolated or part of a multivisceral transplant. Complications of isolated IT and IT as part of an MVT include complications shared with other types of organ transplants such as infection, rejection, post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder and graft versus host disease. Mechanical bowel complications of the graft include bowel obstruction, stricture, leak, perforation and enterocutaneous fistula. Lastly, vascular complications of both the venous and arterial anastomoses including stricture and pseudoaneurysm occur.