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Legionnaires' disease.
J T Fairbank1, M M Patel, P A Dietrich
1Department of Radiology, Medical Center Hospital of Vermont, Burlington 05401.
Journal of Thoracic Imaging
|July 1, 1991
Summary
Legionella bacteria cause respiratory illness and were identified in 1976. Legionnaires' disease presents as pneumonia with delayed radiographic resolution, especially in organ transplant recipients.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pulmonary Medicine
Background:
- Legionella bacillus is a common cause of respiratory illness outbreaks.
- The organism was isolated and identified in 1976 after extensive investigation.
- Legionnaires' disease is a significant public health concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the clinical and radiographic features of Legionnaires' disease.
- To highlight diagnostic challenges and progression patterns.
- To inform clinicians about atypical presentations in immunocompromised patients.
Main Methods:
- Review of epidemiologic and microbiologic data.
- Analysis of clinical case presentations.
- Radiographic assessment of pulmonary findings.
Main Results:
- Legionnaires' disease often progresses rapidly to lobar pneumonia.
- Radiographic findings lag behind clinical improvement and show prolonged resolution.
- Organ transplant patients may exhibit rounded, pleura-based opacities mimicking pulmonary infarction, with potential cavitation.
Conclusions:
- Legionnaires' disease diagnosis requires awareness of its varied presentation.
- Radiographic findings are not pathognomonic and resolution is delayed.
- Immunocompromised individuals, particularly organ transplant recipients, may present with atypical radiographic findings.