Graft-versus-host disease other imaging findings
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Graft-versus-host disease |
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Differentiating Graft-versus-host disease from other Diseases |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Shyam Patel [2]
Overview
Other Imaging Findings
Imaging modalities have been used to diagnose GvHD, as certain radiographic features can suggest for or against a diagnosis of GvHD. However, radiographic findings are non-specific, as these can be found in various other diseases.
- Abdominal plain films (abdominal X-rays) were used in the 1980s in an attempt to diagnose GvHD. It was noted in 1988 that 95% of patients had separation of bowel loops on abdominal X-ray, suggesting wall thickening, air fluid levels, or dilatation of the small bowel.[1]
- CT scans has been used to diagnose GvHD: radiographic features include bowel wall thickening and mucosal enhancement. Acute GvHD tends to present radiographically with moderate bowel wall thickening.[1] However, these radiographic features are also common to Clostridium difficile colitis.[1] C. difficile or CMV colitis tends to present with severe bowel wall thickening.
- MRI can be used though this test is highly expensive and cost-ineffective relative to the diagnostic yield. MRI of the abdomen would should bowel wall thickening and mucosal enhancement with gadolinium.[1]