Radiological Diagnosis of Pediatric Pulmonary Infections and Follow up Protocols

Background and objectives: Respiratory infection is the second most common disease in pediatrics presented to the emergency department. Imaging modalities used for diagnosis, and follow up duration of each type of infection should be studied for best outcome for those patients.

We aimed to find the optimum imaging follow up protocol for pediatrics with respiratory infections.

Methods and Results: Retrospective study included 500 pediatric patients ranging in age from one month to 15 years, presented with respiratory infection. Radiological findings, numbers and results of follow up were collected and statistically analyzed using SPSS program version 23.

Bronchitis represented the commonest finding (43%), followed by pneumonia (35%). All patients had initial chest X-ray. CT was done for 79 patients. 218 patients had radiological follow up. The number of follow up ranged from 1 to 51 with the average number was 26.

Interpretation and Conclusions: Bronchitis is a clinical diagnosis that does not usually need imaging. Pneumonia is diagnosed clinically aided with X ray in severe cases and follow up may be needed after 4 weeks. X ray and CT are mandatory for the initial diagnosis of TB and follow up should be done after 6 months. Cystic fibrosis needs clinical follow up and annual imaging unless complications arise. Pulmonary abscess needs follow up after treatment.