Imaging features of intrathoracic complications of lung transplantation: What the radiologists need to know

Abstract

Lung transplantation has been a method for treating end stage lung disease for decades. Despite improvements in the preoperative assessment of recipients and donors as well as improved surgical techniques, lung transplant recipients are still at a high risk of developing post-operative complications which tend to impact negatively the patients’ outcome if not recognised early. The recognised complications post lung transplantation can be broadly categorised into acute and chronic complications. Recognising the radiological features of these complications has a significant positive impact on patients’ survival post transplantation. This manuscript provides a comprehensive review of the radiological features of post lung transplantations complications over a time continuum.

Key Words: Lung transplantation, Post-surgical features of lung transplantation, Complication of lung transplantation, Imaging features, Early and late complications

Core tip: Lung transplantation is a common method of treating end stage lung disease. However, despite advances in surgical techniques, complications are still common and can occur years after lung transplantation. Radiological imaging plays an essential role in characterising many post-transplantation complications. It is crucial for radiologists to identify early signs of common complications on imaging to ensure that appropriate treatments are instituted early.

INTRODUCTION

Lung transplantation is an accepted treatment modality for end stage lung disease with over 3614 transplantations performed worldwide between July 2013 and June 2014[1]. In Australia alone, over 163 of lung transplantations were performed in 2014[2]. During the early 1960s when human lung transplantation was explored, multiple attempts at the procedure often failed rapidly due to rejection and issues with bronchial and vessel anastomoses. However, over years, this measure of treatment has achieved remarkable outcomes.

Given the inherent risks associated with lung transplantation, patients are carefully selected for their suitability for treatment. Improved outcomes have been associated with advancing surgical techniques, appropriate patient selection, cautious harvesting and preservation of organs, and improved immunosuppressive therapy[3]. Despite the pre-transplant strict selection criteria, complications are still frequent.

Postoperative complications can be categorised broadly into: Early complications; including but not limited to reperfusion oedema and acute rejection; and late complications including infections, anastomotic complications and chronic graft rejection. Understanding the timeline of post-operative complications is a key to making accurate diagnosis for early intervention.

EARLY COMPLICATIONS

Early complications of lung transplantation generally occur within few weeks post- operatively. These account for the significant proportion of mortality in patients who undergo lung transplantation.

Donor lung and recipient thorax mismatch

Donor lung and recipient thoracic cage mismatch is a potential underlying cause of some of the early complications of lung transplantation. Therefore, meticulous attention to details in selecting appropriate donor lung is a crucial initial step in obviating the likelihood of complications relating to donor-recipient mismatch. These complications include pleural effusion and pneumothorax, which have been shown to develop especially if the donor lung is too small for the recipient thorax. These complications may, in certain cases require interventions such as thoracocentesis and antibiotic therapy. This contributes to a prolonged hospitalisation and increased overall cost of lung transplantation.

However, deliberately mismatching the donor lung and the recipient’s thorax may have some potential benefits. Moderately oversized donor lung has been shown to reduce the risk of early primary graft dysfunction[4]. However, in cases where the donor lung is too large in size, atelectasis and impaired ventilation may ensue[4].

Ischaemia-reperfusion injury

Ischaemic-reperfusion injury, also known as primary graft dysfunction is a frequent complication following lung transplantation. It is one of the leading causes of early post-transplant morbidity and mortality. It is a severe acute lung injury syndrome that develops within the first 48-72 h post lung transplantation[5].

Reperfusion oedema has variable imaging features. On chest X-ray, it may present with hazy peri-hilar air-space opacity in milder cases, and dense peri-hilar consolidations with air bronchograms in more severe cases[6] (Figures 1 and 2).

Figure 1 Chest X-ray of a 64-year-old male 3 d post transplantation showing reperfusion oedema. Bilateral airspace opacity predominantly in the mid to lower zones with associated bilateral pleural effusions.

Figure 2 Chest X-ray 3 d post transplantation shows reperfusion oedema. Bilateral airspace opacity in the mid to lower zones and sub-pleural consolidation in the lower zone of the right lower lobe.

High resolution computerised tomography (HRCT) will demonstrate the above features in greater details, even though these are not specific only to pulmonary oedema. Perihilar ground-glass opacities, peribronchovascular thickening and reticulations with predilection for the middle and lower lobes are elegantly demonstrable on HRCT[7,8].

Acute rejection

Acute cellular rejection occurs generally within the first 2 wk post-lung transplantation. This complication is a potential cause of significant morbidity. Acute cellular rejection is a cell-mediated immune response to human leukocyte antigen (HLA) complex expressed in the donor lung. This immune response leads to perivascular lymphocytic infiltrate[9-11].

Imaging findings in the mild acute rejection may be very subtle and, hence, trans-bronchial lung biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosis in this setting. Normal findings on chest X-rays, therefore, does not exclude the diagnosis of acute rejection, especially in the mild form[10]. Radiological findings, demonstrable on HRCT, include lower lobe predominant peri-hilar ground glass opacities, peri-bronchial cuffing, interlobular septal thickening, and new or increasing pleural effusions[9,11] (Figures 3 and 4). Notably, the absence of ground glass opacities in HRCT within the first few weeks post lung transplantation virtually excludes the diagnosis of severe acute rejection[7].

Figure 3 Computerised tomography images of the chest 4 wk post-transplantation showing acute rejection. Bilateral basal predominant consolidation, diffuse ground glass opacity and atelectasis with large bilateral pleural effusions. A: Axial slice of CT chest image showing bilateral basal consolidations; B: Axial slice of CT chest image illustrating extensive bilateral pleural effusions with pulmonary atelectasis. CT: Computerised tomography.

Figure 4 Acute rejection in a 50-year-old female 3 wk post-transplantation. CT scan of the chest shows bilateral diffuse ground glass opacity, linear atelectases, bilateral pleural effusion and bilateral peribronchial thickening. A: Coronal slice of CT chest image showing bilateral ground glass opacities and linear atelectasis; B: Axial slice of CT chest image highlighting bilateral pleural effusions; C: Axial slice of CT chest image highlighting peribronchial thickening. CT: Computerised tomography.

Pleural complications

The spectrums of acute pleural complications include minor air leaks, haemothorax, pneumothorax, chylothorax and pleural effusions. Air leaks may occur transiently following lung transplantation or persist for quite a while. Pleural leaks (Figure 5) are considered transient if spontaneous resolution occurs within 7 d post-transplantation. Air leaks that are unresolved after 7 d post-transplantation are dubbed persistent and may signify more serious complications such as significant bronchial dehiscence or airway ischaemia. This may eventually lead to pneumomediastinum, persistent pneumothorax or subcutaneous emphysema[9].

Figure 5 Chest X-ray shows increased lucency of the costophrenic angles on both sides (deep sulcus sign) in keeping with bilateral supine pneumothoraces.

Pleural effusion may persist for few months. At 3 mo, approximately 59% of patients may have some pleural effusions detectable on imaging study, especially on computerised tomography (CT) scan. However, majority of pleural effusion resolve completely by 12 mo (8%)[12]. Pleural thickening and calcification may manifest as a long-term complication. Figure 6 illustrates some of the more common pleural complications.

Figure 6 Computerised tomography scan of the chest in a 63-year-old female performed 16 d post bilateral lung transplant showing a coronal slice and an axial slice of a left pleural effusion and right haemothorax with clotted blood component (arrow). A: Coronal slice; B: Axial slice.

Bronchial anastomotic complications

Bronchial dehiscence, bronchial stenosis, bronchomalacia and bronchopleural fistulas are some of the airway anastomotic complications that can occur. The most frequent of these complications is bronchial stenosis. There are two patterns of bronchial stenosis: Surgical site anastomotic stenosis and segmental non-anastomotic bronchial stenosis.

Bronchial stenosis is easily demonstrable in chest X-ray. Bronchial stenosis may be severe enough to cause the atelectasis of the affected lobe[13]. As demonstrated in Figures 7 and 8, helical CT with multiplanar reconstruction will demonstrate this and other associated features more elegantly and is said to have an accuracy of 94% for detecting bronchial stenosis[13].

Figure 7 Computerised tomography scan images of a 37-year-old man performed 18 mo post-transplantation showing a coronal slice and an axial slice of a stenosis of the right main stem bronchus (arrow). A: Coronal slice; B: Axial slice.

Figure 8 Computerised tomography scan of the chest showing a left main stem bronchial stenosis (arrow) in a 36-year-old male 2 mo post lung transplantation. A: Coronal slice of CT chest image before insertion of bronchial stent; B: Coronal slice of CT chest image after insertion of bronchial stent. CT: Computerised tomography.

Bronchial dehiscence results from ongoing mucosal necrosis of the donor bronchus secondary to disruption of the bronchial circulation[7]. Chest radiography is unreliable for the diagnosis of bronchial dehiscence due to the presence of peri-bronchial air that may obscure the major airways.

CT scan is more sensitive and readily able to identify the features of bronchial dehiscence including bronchial wall defects, fixed or dynamic bronchial narrowing, and peribronchial air around the anastomosis[13] ( Figure 9).

Figure 9 Computerised tomography scan of the chest in a 51-year-old female performed nearly 3 years post bilateral lung transplantation shows left main bronchial dehiscence resulting in gas locules tracking from the left main stem bronchus to the mediastinum causing pneumomediastinum. A: Axial slice of CT chest image showing gas leaks (arrow) from the left main stem bronchus; B: Axial slice of CT chest image showing multiple gas locules (arrow) causing pneumomediastinum. CT: Computerised tomography.

Bronchopleural fistula manifests as progressive increase in the intrapleural air, new or progressing hydropneumothorax and changes in the already present air-fluid levels. In severe cases, tension pneumothorax may occur with imaging demonstrating contralateral mediastinal shift, flattening of the ipsilateral diaphragm, ipsilateral widening of intercostal spaces and atelectasis of the contralateral lung.

Vascular anastomotic complications

Complications involving the vasculature anastomotic sites post lung transplantation are much less frequent compared to airway anastomotic complications. Vascular complications include pulmonary artery stenosis, kinking of the pulmonary artery and pulmonary vein thrombosis. Peri-anastomotic pulmonary artery aneurysm is an unusual complication (Figure 10).

Figure 10 Computerised tomography scan of the chest in a 31-year-old female 3 mo post bilateral lung transplantation showing peri-anastomotic left pulmonary artery saccular aneurysm. A: Axial slice of CT chest image showing a left pulmonary artery saccular aneurysm (arrow); B: Axial slice of CT chest image showing a left pulmonary artery saccular aneurysm (arrow). CT: Computerised tomography.

Pulmonary artery stenosis can occur early or late after lung transplantation and is generally a result of incongruent lengths of the donor and recipient segments, technical narrowing or twisting of the anastomosis[14].

CT angiogram is the acceptable imaging modality for investigating these complications. Narrowing or occlusion of the affected artery is readily demonstrable with CT angiogram. Diminished opacification of the corresponding pulmonary segment may indicate atelectasis or evolving pulmonary infarction[15].

Infections

Pulmonary infection after lung transplantation remains an important complication that is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. The incidence of infection is far more frequent in the lung transplant recipients than any other organ transplant recipients[9]. This is due to the higher level of immunosuppression and loss of local pulmonary host defences characterised by the reduction in lymphatic drainage, and reduced mucociliary clearance.

Bacterial pneumonia accounts for approximately 36% of pneumonias[16] occurring post lung transplantation. Staphylococcus aureus, pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacteriaceae are the most common bacterial culprits.

Radiographic manifestation of bacterial pneumonia (Figures 11 and 12) may be nonspecific with the occurrence of patchy or confluent consolidation, ground-glass opacity, septal thickening and pleural effusions[16]. These features and the presence of tree-in-bud opacity on chest radiograph, in conjunction with the appropriate clinical picture, makes the radiographic diagnosis of pneumonia fairly obvious. Pleural effusion is nonspecific. It may be indicative of haemorrhage, rejection or empyema[17].

Figure 11 Computerised tomography scan of the chest 2 wk post-transplantation shows consolidation in the right upper lobe posteriorly with air bronchogram in keeping with pneumonia. Associated right sided pneumothorax. A: Axial slice of CT chest showing right upper lobe consolidation (white arrow), and right sided pneumothorax (blue arrows); B: Axial slice showing consolidation on the right upper lobe with air bronchogram (arrow). CT: Computerised tomography.

Figure 12 Chest computerised tomography scan of a 57-year-old male performed 2 years post-transplantation shows pseudomonas lung infection. Geographic area of ground glass opacity with associated diffuse centrilobular ground glass opacities and bronchiolar thickening mainly in the basal segment of the left upper lobe. A: Axial slice of CT chest image showing ground glass opacity (arrow); B: Axial slice of CT chest image highlighting diffuse centrilobar ground glass opacities on the left; C: Axial slice of CT chest image showing bronchiolar wall thickening in the left upper lobe (arrow). CT: Computerised tomography.

LATE COMPLICATIONS

Late complications post lung transplantation can occur anytime from months to years. It is vitally important to have a high index of suspicion in recognising the signs of late complications as these largely contribute to the patients’ morbidity and mortality.

Chronic rejection

Chronic allograft rejection is one of the causes attributed to the increased rate of mortality and morbidity post lung transplantation, whether single lung transplantation or bilateral. Chronic allograft rejection is described clinically as bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome. Cryptogenic organising pneumonia may also be seen. Patho-physiologically, chronic rejection is typified by inflammatory and fibrotic processes. Eosinophilic hyaline fibrosis of the small airways leads to progressive concentric bronchiolar luminal narrowing and eventually bronchiolar occlusion[7].

Plain radiograph is of limited diagnostic value in chronic graft rejection. Non-specific features in plain radiograph that can suggest chronic rejection include pulmonary hyperinflation, decreased vascular markings, regional volume loss, subsegmental atelectasis, linear opacities and bronchiectasis[7].

Chest CT is the imaging of choice for demonstrating the features of small airway and interstitial lung parenchymal changes that occur in chronic graft rejection (Figure 13). Some of these features, which are readily demonstrable on chest CT, include bronchial wall thickening, interlobular septal thickening, reticulo-nodular opacity, ground-glass opacity with mosaic attenuation, air trapping and peripherally predominant bronchiectasis[7,9,18].

Figure 13 Bronchiolitis/small airway disease. CT scan of the chest performed 8 years post-transplantation shows patchy multifocal air trapping with bronchiolar thickening. A: Axial slice of CT chest image showing bronchiolar thickening; B: Axial slice of CT chest image showing multifocal areas of patchy air trapping. CT: Computerised tomography.

Atypical infections

Iatrogenic immunosuppression post lung transplantation is an important predisposing factor for infection with atypical organisms such as viruses, fungi and mycobacterium.

Viruses, particularly cytomegalovirus (CMV), are largely opportunistic infections and are a risk factor for the development of transplant rejection. Lung transplant recipients are particularly susceptible to CMV infection and the rate of infection in these patients can be as high as 50%[7]. Other viral culprits include parainfluenza virus, respiratory syncytia virus and adenovirus.

Features of viral chest infections are nonspecific. It is usually patchy with no particular lobar predilection. Nodular opacities, patchy consolidation, diffuse ground-glass opacity and bronchiolar thickening can be seen in viral chest infections. Adenoviral pneumonia imaging findings typically are more extensive compared to those caused by other viral infections[19].

Fungal infection post lung transplantation is less frequent than bacterial and viral infections, however they are associated with high mortality rates. Aspergillus and Candida species are the most common causes of fungal infections in lung transplant recipients (Figure 14). Colonisation of the airways by aspergillus species is a common occurrence in lung transplant recipients, particularly those with underlying cystic fibrosis. Colonisation with these organisms increase the risk of developing invasive aspergillosis which could be fatal and may result in as high as 55% mortality in lung transplant recipients if not aggressively treated[20].

Figure 14 Chest computerised tomography scan of a 30-year-old male performed 2 mo after lung transplantation shows fungal infection. Two partly solid nodules in the right lung (one in the basal segment of the right upper lobe and the other in the right lower lobe. A: Axial slice of CT chest image showing right lower lobe nodule (arrow); B: Coronal slice of CT chest image showing 2 nodules on the lower segment of the right upper lobe (blue arrow) and right lower lobe (white arrow); C: Axial slice of CT chest image showing partially solid nodule (arrow). CT: Computerised tomography.

Fungal chest infections have various chest CT features including consolidation, lung nodules and cavitating nodules or masses. Ground glass opacity surrounding a lung nodule or mass (Figures 15 and 16) dubbed as a halo sign is highly suggestive, although not specific, of fungal infection in appropriate clinical settings[7].

Figure 15 Broncho-alveolar lavage proven aspergillosis. CT scan of the chest shows right lung apex sub-pleural nodule with surrounding ground glass opacity and focal bronchiectasis. A: Coronal slice of CT chest showing right apical sub-pleural nodule (arrow); B: Coronal slice of CT chest showing surrounding ground glass opacity and focal bronchiectasis (arrow) around a sub-pleural nodule. CT: Computerised tomography.

Figure 16 Computerised tomography scan of the chest performed 1 year post bilateral lung transplant shows pulmonary aspergillosis. An axial slice (A) and sagittal slice (B) showing a middle lobe small solid nodule with relatively large peripheral halo of ground glass opacity known as a “halo sign” (arrow). Bronchoscopy confirmed aspergillosis. A: Axial slice; B: Sagittal slice.

Rate of tuberculosis infections usually vary by geographic location. However, tuberculosis infection has been shown to be significantly higher in transplant recipients compared to the general population irrespective of geographic location[21]. It presents commonly as a reactivation of the latent infection in the transplant recipients, but can also be acquired from unrecognised infected donor lung. Pulmonary tuberculosis is commonly seen radiologically as focal infiltrates or in a miliary pattern[22].

Thromboembolism

Thromboembolism (including pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis) is a common complication that tends to occur within few months post-transplantation. It is important to recognise this since up to 27% of lung transplant recipients are prone to this complication[23]. This has been suggested to be due to the hypercoagulable state caused by the inflammatory response to the donor organ[11]. Potential thrombogenic surfaces, such as the pulmonary artery anastomotic site and central lines, also act as sources of venous thromboembolisms[23].

Lung transplant recipients are more susceptible to thromboembolic induced pulmonary infarcts due to a deficient dual blood supply (bronchial and pulmonary arterial supply) in the early post-operative period. Clues suggesting pulmonary thromboembolism on chest radiography include segmental oligaemia, pleural effusion, dilated central pulmonary arteries and cardiomegaly[7]. Wedge shaped sub-pleural opacity representing lung infarct is readily demonstrable on chest radiograph.

CT pulmonary angiogram is the gold standard for diagnosing pulmonary embolism. Filling defects with segmental partial or total occlusion in the central or segmental branches of the pulmonary arteries are the most reliable direct signs of thromboembolism[7,10]. Indirect features include consolidation in specific vascular territories, mosaic perfusion, atelectasis and pleural effusions[7,10]. Ventilation perfusion scans is a viable alternative in patients who have contraindications to CT pulmonary angiogram.

Transplant related lymphoproliferative disorder

A diverse number of lymphoproliferative diseases may develop post lung transplantation. These are collectively termed post-transplantation lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD) and occur in approximately 5% of lung transplant recipients[24]. Patho-physiologically, transplant recipients are predisposed to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) which induces B-cell proliferative responses leading to PTLD, usually within a year after transplantation.

CT features of PTLD are variable, and may be seen as a single or multiple pulmonary nodules or masses with or without mediastinal, hilar and extra-thoracic adenopathy[25].

Primary lung carcinoma

Primary lung carcinomas occurring in the lung allograft are rare[26]. This is attributable in part to the comprehensive screening process prior to transplantation aiming at excluding donors with underlying parenchymal lung disease and those with significant smoking history. The risk of developing primary pulmonary carcinoma in transplant recipients is therefore the same as the general population.

Nevertheless, in cases where primary lung allograft carcinomas arise, tumours tend to be more aggressive[26]. This is likely due to immunosuppression, and can be challenging radiologically to distinguish from an infectious process.

Recurrence of primary disease

Despite lung transplantation being the only available therapy for end-stage lung disease, a number of diseases have been reported to recur in the lung allograft. Sarcoidosis has been demonstrated to have a high recurrence rate[27]. Lymphangioleiomyomatosis and diffuse panbronchiolitis and pulmonary alveolar proteinosis have also been reported to recur post lung transplantation. Radiological findings of these diseases, however, have slight morphological differences at recurrence compared with pre-transplantation[27].

CONCLUSION

Lung transplantation is essentially the only viable option for treating end stage lung disease. Despite this advanced procedure, it poses a diverse list of complications that are associated with morbidity and mortality for transplant recipients. Although radiological manifestations of post-lung transplant complications may be non-specific, understanding the main features of post-transplant complications over a time continuum is the key to improving patients’ survival. By recognising these radiological features, early treatment can be instituted.