Radiologic diagnosis of pulmonary infection lesions in patients with hematologic malignancies

Abstract

Radiological findings were evaluated in 98 patients (pts) with hematologic malignancies treated in Cancer Research Center between 1999 and 2005. We analysed radiological evidences of nonmalignant pulmonary lesions caused by bacteria and fungi at different stages of tumors.Obtained data shows specified radiological signs typical for every infective agent. The area of destruction with honeycomb changes (like sponge) inside focus or infiltration is the distinctive feature of pulmonary candidiasis. Lung cavities are the signs of pulmonary aspergillosis. The typical symptom of Pneumocystic carinii pneumonia is bilateral subpleural lung infiltrations predominantly in the middle or lower lobes looks like different size areas of “ground-glass” with noncontrast boundary and airless foci of lung tissue.

Keywords

• hematologic malignancies
• pneumonia
• tuberculosis
• aspergillosis
• candidiasis
• pneumocystic carinii pneumonia
• radiologic diagnosis