Diagnostic Accuracy of High-Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT) in Detecting Pneumocystis carinii in Renal Transplant Patients With Pulmonary Infection: A Study Using Bronchoalveolar Lavage As the Gold Standard

Introduction: Patients receiving renal transplants have weakened immune systems and are more vulnerable to lung infections.

Objectives: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) in detecting pneumocystis carinii in renal transplant patients presenting with pulmonary infection in a tertiary care transplant center, keeping bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) as the gold standard.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Radiology, Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplant, Karachi, from February 14, 2023, to August 13, 2023. Using a non-probability consecutive sampling technique, we enrolled 81 post-renal transplant patients, aged 20 to 60 years, of both genders, who were receiving immunosuppressive therapy and referred to the Radiology Department for HRCT as part of a workup for pulmonary infection. Patients presented with pulmonary infection underwent HRCT and BAL. Diagnostic accuracy was determined and data was analyzed.

Results: In this study, 81 patients were enrolled with a mean age of 35.4±11.3 years. There were 56 (69.1%) male and 25 (30.9%) female patients. The mean duration of renal transplant was 18.09±12.8 months. The mean duration of symptoms was 5.32±2 days. Diabetes was present in 43 (53.1%) patients. The sensitivity of HRCT in diagnosing pneumocystis carinii was 93%, specificity was 91.7%, positive predictive value was 96.4%, negative predictive value was 84.6%, and diagnostic accuracy was 92.5%, taking BAL as the gold standard.

Conclusion: HRCT is a good imaging modality to diagnose pneumocystis carinii in renal transplant patients.