Role of imaging procedures in clarification of complications of pneumonia

CLINICAL ISSUE: Despite a considerable number of antimicrobial agents and interdisciplinary treatment options, lower respiratory tract infections are still associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Infections of the respiratory tract can lead to severe complications, such as empyema, lung abscesses and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Besides intrapulmonary complications pneumonia can also impair other organs due to a systemic inflammatory response. Underlying cardiovascular diseases, such as chronic heart failure, arteriosclerosis and dysrhythmia can either deteriorate due to infections or be newly manifested as a result of pneumonia. Early diagnosis and therapy of these sometimes life-threatening complications are crucial and can have a severe impact on disease outcome.

STANDARD RADIOLOGICAL METHODS: The most important imaging techniques include chest X‑ray and computed tomography (CT) of the chest. Although a definite diagnosis is sometimes difficult or even impossible to establish using chest X‑ray or CT, there are several findings indicative of intrapulmonary or extrapulmonary complications of pneumonia. Another useful and portable tool is thoracic ultrasound directly on the patient, which can be used to further define the underlying disease or as guidance during procedures.

PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS: The chest X‑ray is useful in initial diagnosis and follow-up. If complications or disease progression are suspected or the clinical course differs from the X‑ray interpretation, a subsequent CT of the chest should be performed.

Medienart:

E-Artikel

Erscheinungsjahr:

2017

Erschienen:

2017

Enthalten in:

Zur Gesamtaufnahme - volume:57

Enthalten in:

Der Radiologe - 57(2017), 1 vom: 24. Jan., Seite 29-34

Sprache:

Deutsch

Weiterer Titel:

Rolle der bildgebenden Verfahren zur Abklärung von Pneumoniekomplikationen

Beteiligte Personen:

Lampichler, K [VerfasserIn]

Links:

Volltext

Themen:

Chest X ray
Computed tomography
Empyema
Human ARDS
Journal Article
Lung abscess
Review

Anmerkungen:

Date Completed 03.10.2017

Date Revised 10.03.2022

published: Print

Citation Status MEDLINE

doi:

10.1007/s00117-016-0195-6

funding:

Förderinstitution / Projekttitel:

PPN (Katalog-ID):

NLM267696191