A Review of Radiographic Findings in Gvhd

Acute and chronic graft vs host disease remains one of the largest challenges in allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Diagnosis and staging of GVHD is largely clinically based: physical exam findings, laboratory data, combined with pathologic confirmation. Typical radiologic findings may aide in diagnosis as well. Recent radiographs of GVHD patients are reviewed. Notable findings in acute GVHD of the gut included edematous bowel wall thickening and fluid filled bowel. Some patients have exhibited hyper enhancing gut mucosa on contrast enhanced CT. PET scans may show diffuse increased metabolic activity in affected areas. Chest CT findings in chronic GVHD patients commonly include ground glass opacities in the lungs, both peribronchial and paraseptal. Later advanced findings may classically include bronchiectasis. MRI findings in sclerotic type GVHD may include edema and enhancement within deep fascial planes