Transplanted lungs: nodules following transbronchial biopsy.

Abstract

To determine how often nodules occur in lung allografts due to transbronchial biopsy and the temporal relationship between the development of these lesions and biopsy. During 2 years, 141 computed tomographic (CT) studies and 324 transbronchial biopsies were performed in 40 patients who had undergone lung transplantation. CT images and chest radiographs were retrospectively evaluated for evidence of lung injury. Thirteen CT studies of 12 patients revealed transbronchial biopsy injury. Seven cavitary and nine solid nodules were seen a mean of 8.8 and 18.6 days after biopsy, respectively. Two nodules were detected prospectively on radiographs; seven, retrospectively. In two patients, nodules not seen on chest radiographs obtained immediately after biopsy were seen on radiographs obtained 8 and 12 days later. Fifteen lesions resolved. One lesion left a linear scar. Nodules that represent transbronchial biopsy lung injury are seen on CT images up to 1 month after biopsy and may not be evident on chest radiographs obtained immediately after biopsy.