Cavitatory pneumonia

Cavitating pneumonia is a complication that can occur with severe necrotizing pneumonia and in some publications, it is used synonymously with the latter term .  It is a rare complication in both children and adults.

Cavitation associated with Mycobacterium tuberculosis is separately discussed in the pulmonary tuberculosis article.

Pathology

Cavitation can occur from a variety of organisms.

Pediatric population

Albeit rare, cavitation is most commonly caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, and less frequently Aspergillus spp., Legionella spp. and Staphylococcus aureus .

In children, cavitation is associated with severe illness, although cases usually resolve without surgical intervention, and long-term follow-up radiography shows clear lungs without pulmonary sequelae .

Adult population

Although the absolute cavitary rate may not be known, according to one series, necrotizing changes were seen in up to 6.6% of adults with pneumococcal pneumonia . Klebsiella pneumoniae is another organism that is known to cause cavitation .

Radiographic features

Plain radiograph

May show a subtle area of radiolucency superimposed on a region of consolidation.

Late sequelae

See also

Siehe auch:
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