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.

Keywords: 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.