Pulmonary nocardiosis after lung transplantation: CT findings in 7 patients and review of the literature

J Thorac Imaging. 2007 May;22(2):143-8. doi: 10.1097/01.rti.0000213583.21849.5c.

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study is to review reported radiographic clues to the diagnosis of pulmonary nocardiosis, as well as to describe and illustrate the high-resolution computed tomography findings of 7 patients with pulmonary nocardiosis after lung transplantation.

Conclusions: Computed tomography findings of pulmonary nocardiosis after lung transplantation consist predominantly of nodules and cavitary lesions without any significant zonal or anatomic distribution. The diagnosis of pulmonary nocardiosis requires a high index of suspicion, as presenting symptoms are nonspecific, initial visualization is often not possible with routine stains, and identification requires prolonged cultures.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunocompromised Host*
  • Lung / diagnostic imaging*
  • Lung Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Lung Diseases / microbiology
  • Lung Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nocardia / isolation & purification
  • Nocardia Infections / diagnosis*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods*