Complications of lung transplantation: radiologic findings

The first clinically successful lung transplantation was performed in 1983. Since that time, more than 2700 transplants have been recorded by the International Lung Transplant Registry [1]. Lung transplantation is currently limited to patients with endstage lung disease and a life expectancy of less than 18 months [1]. Unilateral lung transplantation is the most commonly performed procedure. Bilateral transplantation generally is reserved for patients with pulmonary sepsis. One-year survival after transplantation is currently 80-90%, and 5-year survival is estimated at 50% [1]. Early detection and treatment of the complications of lung transplantation are critical to decrease patient morbidity and mortality [2-4]. This article reviews the radiologic findings of the most common complications of lung transplantation, using our experience with 85 patients.