Role of radiology in lung transplantation

Lung transplantation has been used successfully since 1983 as treatment for terminal stages of chronic progressive lung disease of various origin. Based on the primary pathology, a single lung transplant, a double lung transplant or a heart-lung transplant is performed. The importance of radiology in detecting postoperative complications is well known. This article gives a short overview of the most common complications after lung transplantation with special attention to the specific radiological features and most suited examination techniques. We preferred grouping the complications in function of the affected structure. Postoperative standard radiography of the thorax is performed daily during admission (first recumbent, later standing) and regularly after release from the hospital. Computerised tomography and high-resolution CT of the chest are performed on specific indications. Other less frequently used radiological techniques are transoesophageal ultrasound, pulmonary artery angiography and fluoroscopy.