Finally, both malignancy and its treatment are risk factors for deep venous thrombosis, which may lead to pulmonary thromboemboli and pulmonary infarcts [45]. MRI Chest There is no relevant literature regarding the use of MRI in the evaluation of immunocompromised patients with ARI, abnormal chest radiographs, and suspicion of noninfectious disease. However, there may be certain clinical scenarios in which MRI can be used as a reasonable alternative to CT. Given that MRI can characterize infectious consolidations, nodules, and masses, it may depict similar findings in noninfectious conditions. FDG-PET/CT Skull Base to Mid-Thigh FDG-PET/CT may occasionally be beneficial in the evaluation of immunocompromised patients with ARI, chest radiographs showing pulmonary parenchymal opacities, and clinical suspicion of noninfectious disease. In patients with a history of pulmonary malignancy, recurrence of the primary tumor or development of lung metastases should always be considered when chest radiography shows nodular opacities; similarly, metastases from an extrathoracic primary often manifest as nodules. However, FDG-PET/CT should be interpreted cautiously, as many pulmonary infections typically cause high FDG uptake and, thus, may be mistaken for malignancy [13]. Certain immunodeficient conditions, such as HIV/AIDS, render patients extremely susceptible to both malignancies and opportunistic infections. AIDS-defining malignancies that may manifest in the lungs include Kaposi sarcoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. With regard to these neoplasms, FDG-PET/CT may assist in the specific diagnosis, staging or restaging of disease, and monitoring of therapeutic response [46]. FDG- PET/CT is also an accurate diagnostic modality for the staging and follow-up of patients with post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder [47].
Acute Respiratory Illness in Immunocompromised Patients. Finally, both malignancy and its treatment are risk factors for deep venous thrombosis, which may lead to pulmonary thromboemboli and pulmonary infarcts [45]. MRI Chest There is no relevant literature regarding the use of MRI in the evaluation of immunocompromised patients with ARI, abnormal chest radiographs, and suspicion of noninfectious disease. However, there may be certain clinical scenarios in which MRI can be used as a reasonable alternative to CT. Given that MRI can characterize infectious consolidations, nodules, and masses, it may depict similar findings in noninfectious conditions. FDG-PET/CT Skull Base to Mid-Thigh FDG-PET/CT may occasionally be beneficial in the evaluation of immunocompromised patients with ARI, chest radiographs showing pulmonary parenchymal opacities, and clinical suspicion of noninfectious disease. In patients with a history of pulmonary malignancy, recurrence of the primary tumor or development of lung metastases should always be considered when chest radiography shows nodular opacities; similarly, metastases from an extrathoracic primary often manifest as nodules. However, FDG-PET/CT should be interpreted cautiously, as many pulmonary infections typically cause high FDG uptake and, thus, may be mistaken for malignancy [13]. Certain immunodeficient conditions, such as HIV/AIDS, render patients extremely susceptible to both malignancies and opportunistic infections. AIDS-defining malignancies that may manifest in the lungs include Kaposi sarcoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. With regard to these neoplasms, FDG-PET/CT may assist in the specific diagnosis, staging or restaging of disease, and monitoring of therapeutic response [46]. FDG- PET/CT is also an accurate diagnostic modality for the staging and follow-up of patients with post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder [47].