Unusual pediatric lung infections: imaging findings

Abstract

Pediatric lung infections continue to be a leading cause of pediatric morbidity and mortality. Although both pediatric and general radiologists are familiar with typical lung infections and their imaging findings in children, relatively rare lung infections continue to present a diagnostic challenge. In addition, the advances in radiological imaging and emergence of several new lung infections in recent years facilitated the need for up-to-date knowledge on this topic. In this review article, we discuss the imaging findings of pediatric lung infections caused by unusual/uncommon and new pathogens. We review the epidemiological, clinical, and radiological imaging findings of viral (coronavirus disease 2019, Middle East respiratory syndrome, bird flu), bacterial (Streptococcus anginosus, Francisella tularensis, Chlamydia psittaci), and parasitic lung infections (echinococcosis, paragonimiasis, amoebiasis). Additional disorders whose clinical course and imaging findings may mimic lung infections in children (hypersensitivity pneumonitis, pulmonary hemorrhage, eosinophilic pneumonia) are also presented, to aid in differential diagnosis. As the clinical presentation of children with new and unusual lung infections is often non-specific, imaging evaluation plays an important role in initial detection, follow-up for disease progression, and assessment of potential complications. Graphical Abstract

ESPR 2023—Building new bridges from Belgrade

“…You will refresh and renew your knowledge about juvenile idiopathic arthritis both from radiological [1] and clinical perspectives [2], but also find different insights into very common topics, such as gastro-esophageal reflux and constipation [3]. Important diagnostic hints in imaging of unusual (viral, bacterial, and parasitic) lung infections and their clinical and imaging mimics is presented [4]. As a leading cause of infectious morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised children, a comprehensive review of pulmonary infections in these children is included in this special issue, along with their differential diagnoses [5].…”