|
.................................... Search the net .................................... |
Paediatric Pulmonology and Allergology
2003 April, Vol. VI, No. 1 (pp.2148-2161)
Radiology of the immunocompromised lung in children
Catherine M. Owens, Annmarie C. Jeanes
The immunodeficiency states in children may be sub-divided into two major groups; congenital (primary) and acquired (secondary). The spectrum of illness and imaging appearances are similar; regardless of the underlying cause of immunodeficienency. All immunodeficiency states are associated with an increased susceptibility to infection and neoplasia with the lymphoproliferative disorders being the most frequent. However, the type of infections encountered and the risks of neoplasia are influenced by the underlying defect (whether predominantly humoral or cell mediated), the use of immunosupressive drugs or radiotherapy as well as the length of immunosuppression. A working knowledge of the underlying likely defect is therefore important when interpreting imaging funcions in children with immunodeficience states. The typical imaging appearances of the common infectious, non-infectious and neoplastic complications of immunodeficiency are described.