Radiographic features of patients with chronic granulomatous disease

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is one of the most common primary immunodeficiencies of childhood, and is caused by defects in the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase complex. Alongside neutrophil dysfunction, dysregulation of the immune system predisposes patients to recurrent life-threatening infections as well as granuloma formation, hyperinflammation, and autoimmunity. Examination by imaging (radiography, ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance) in conjunction with biopsy and tissue or fluid cultures are essential to identify the extent and severity of infections as well as the microorganisms responsible. These modalities also help to guide the management of inflammatory complications. Aim: We highlight the common radiographic findings in 10 pediatric CGD patients followed at our centre over a period of 10 years. Methods: Medical records of patients with confirmed CGD diagnosis were reviewed retrospectively. All had low neutrophil oxidative burst index (NOBI) and pathogenic mutation in 1 of the 5 subunits of the NADPH oxidase. Three patients had autosomal recessive CGD and 7 had X-linked recessive CGD. All but 1 are male. Results: The most common radiographic presentation was hilar lymphadenopathy and pulmonary nodules. Other lung complications include cavitating lesions, lung abscess, pulmonary nodule, and pleuritic nodules. Lymphatic tissue and lymph nodes were involved in 50% of our cohort of patients, while gastrointestinal manifestations were noted in approximately 35% of our patients. These include the presence of pigmented macrophages, multiple granulomas, liver abscess, or detection of Aspergillus in tissue or fluid culture. Discussion: It is essential for clinicians to keep primary immunodeficiency as one of the differential diagnoses in patients who present with severe infection or inflammation. We encourage physicians to consider CGD in patients with above described findings and consider measuring NOBI in patients with early onset infection, inflammation, or granuloma formation. Statement of novelty: We describe the radiographic findings of a pediatric cohort of patients with CGD.