Purpose: To determine the imaging spectrum and clinical correlates of lung transplant edema within the first 10 days after lung transplantation.
Materials and methods: The study group consisted of 105 consecutive lung transplant recipients. Lung infiltrates on chest radiographs were scored and characterized. Findings that satisfied the accepted description of reperfusion edema were identified. Lung ischemia times and the clinical or biopsy diagnosis of acute rejection were correlated with radiographic findings.
Results: Lung infiltrates compatible with reperfusion edema were seen in 97% of transplanted lungs without a demonstrable correlation with lung ischemia times. Lung scores between groups of patients treated and not treated for acute rejection were not statistically significantly different.
Conclusion: The spectrum of findings attributable to lung transplantation or reperfusion edema is variable and diminishes the use of chest radiography as an early postoperative modality for monitoring acute rejection.