Abstract
Many viruses can cause lower respiratory infection (LRI). To determine if chest radiographs could be useful adjuncts to clinical and viral diagnoses, we reviewed initial x-rays of 99 previously healthy children(0 to 14 yrs)from whom respiratory viruses were isolated from nasal washing. The causative viruses include respiratory syncytial virus(RSV)in 55 cases, parainfluenza(21), influenza(13), and adenovirus(10). Clinical syndromes include pneumonia(36), bronchiolitis(28), URI(16), asymptomatic(6), combined LRI(4), and croup(3). Significant correlation(P< .05)was found between RSV isolation, bronchiolitis and hyperexpansion on x-ray.73% of RSV patients had hyperexpansion and 45% had clinical bronchiolitis. 85% of bronchiolitis cases caused by all viruses had hyperexpansion. RSV was more likely to cause parahilar peribronchial infiltrates than influenza(784 vs 31%) and more likely to have atelectasis than para-influenza(44% vs 19%). X-rays were normal in 15% of RSV, 62% of influenza, 50% of adenovirus and 38% of parainfluenza infections. In addition to clinical presentation, age and season, radiographic findings are useful in predicting the causative virus and may be used as an adjunct to/or in lieu of rapid viral diagnosis in the consideration of antiviral treatment.
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Wildin, S., Chonamaitree, T. & Swischuck, L. CHEST RADIOGRAPHS IN INFANTS AND CHILDREN WITH VIRAL RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS. Pediatr Res 21 (Suppl 4), 337 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198704010-01022
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198704010-01022