Complications of Immunosuppressive Therapy in Solid Organ Transplantation

Radiol Clin North Am. 2016 Mar;54(2):303-19. doi: 10.1016/j.rcl.2015.09.009. Epub 2015 Dec 24.

Abstract

Availability of novel immunosuppressive drugs is the most important factor responsible for significant improvement in long-term graft survival rates after solid organ transplantation. However, chronic immunosuppression predisposes patients to a myriad of potentially life-threatening complications. In addition to drug-related adverse effects, transplant recipients are at increased risk of developing opportunistic microbial infections and a spectrum of unique cancers, many of which are caused by oncogenic viruses. Cross-sectional imaging studies play a crucial role in the timely diagnosis and management of post-transplant infections and malignancies.

Keywords: Complications; Computed tomography; Immunosuppression; Infections; MR imaging; Malignancy; Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD); Transplantation.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Diagnostic Imaging
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppression Therapy / adverse effects*
  • Lymphoproliferative Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Lymphoproliferative Disorders / etiology*
  • Postoperative Complications / diagnosis*
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology*
  • Risk Factors
  • Transplantation*