Role of multislice computed tomography in evaluation of thoracic complications in patients with chronic renal failure

Abstract

Background The incidence of chronic renal failure (CRF) is increasing worldwide. With the expanded use of hemodialysis treatment and extended life of patients with chronic renal failure, large numbers of thoracic complication of CRF patients are being increased. The radiological findings of the thoracic complications in patients with CRF are multiple. Aim To study the role of multislice computed tomography (MSCT) in the evaluation of thoracic complications in patients with CRF. Patients and methods A total of 30 patients with CRF who presented with chest diseases were included in this study (13 females and 17 males). All patients underwent detailed history taking, clinical examination, laboratory studies, and MSCT examination. Results Pleural effusion was the most common complication found in 19 (63.3%) patients, pulmonary infection was the second most common complication detected in 16 (53.3%) patients, followed by mediastinal lymphadenopathy presented in six (20%) patients, pulmonary nodules presented in six (20%) patients, pericardial effusion presented in four (13.3%) patients, pulmonary thromboembolism, hydropneumothorax, vascular calcification, and pleural thickening presented in three (10%) patients each, then, cardiomegaly presented in two (6.7%) patients, and finally, lung cancer presented in one (3.3%) patient. Conclusion MSCT was effective to illuminate a wide spectrum of thoracic complications in symptomatic patients with CRF and was the most sensitive imaging modality for detection of these complications.