Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 15, 2026

Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria
11:32

Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria

Published on: February 23, 2014

[Can radiologic features of community-acquired pneumonia presume etiologic agents?]

K Honda1, H Koyama, K Okuda

  • 1Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shizuoka City Hospital.

Rinsho Hoshasen. Clinical Radiography
|February 1, 1990
PubMed

Insights

Radiologic features can help identify causes of community-acquired pneumonia. Specific patterns like bilateral alveolar shadows suggest tuberculosis or pneumococcal pneumonia, aiding in diagnosis.

Area of Science:

  • Pulmonology
  • Radiology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) diagnosis often relies on identifying the causative agent.
  • Radiographic findings are crucial in evaluating pneumonia but their correlation with specific etiologies requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the correlation between radiologic features and specific etiologic agents in community-acquired pneumonia.
  • To determine if characteristic radiographic patterns can predict the causative pathogens of CAP.

Main Methods:

  • A survey of 130 patients with community-acquired pneumonia was conducted over 21 months (June 1987-February 1989).
  • Patients' radiologic features were analyzed and correlated with identified etiologic agents.
  • Etiologic agents included Streptococcus pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and Haemophilus influenzae, with a significant proportion of unknown agents.

Main Results:

  • Bilateral alveolar shadows were associated with tuberculosis and pneumococcal pneumonia.
  • Lobar and segmental shadow distributions showed varying correlations with pneumococcal, mycoplasmal, and tuberculous etiologies.
  • Centrilobular (peribronchiolar) shadows suggested Haemophilus infections, while pleural effusions and cavitary shadows indicated tuberculosis or anaerobic infections.

Conclusions:

  • Radiologic features can provide valuable clues for presuming specific etiologic agents in community-acquired pneumonia.
  • While some patterns are suggestive, a significant percentage of CAP cases remain with unknown etiologies based on this study.
  • Further research may refine the diagnostic utility of imaging in guiding pneumonia treatment.

More Related Videos

Methods for Detecting Cytotoxic Amyloids Following Infection of Pulmonary Endothelial Cells by Pseudomonas aeruginosa07:27

Methods for Detecting Cytotoxic Amyloids Following Infection of Pulmonary Endothelial Cells by Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Published on: July 12, 2018

Lung CT Segmentation to Identify Consolidations and Ground Glass Areas for Quantitative Assesment of SARS-CoV Pneumonia08:05

Lung CT Segmentation to Identify Consolidations and Ground Glass Areas for Quantitative Assesment of SARS-CoV Pneumonia

Published on: December 19, 2020

Related Concept Videos

Pneumonia I: Introduction01:30

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology01:29

Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology

The pathophysiology of pneumonia involves the following steps:
Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment01:30

Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment

Pneumonia poses the potential for numerous complications that warrant consideration. These complications include the following:
Radiological Investigation II: MRI and Ventilation Perfusion Scan01:30

Radiological Investigation II: MRI and Ventilation Perfusion Scan

Description
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Ventilation Perfusion Scans are two radiological investigations that offer detailed diagnostic images of the body, particularly lung structures.
MRI
MRI uses magnetic fields and radiofrequency signals to distinguish between normal and abnormal tissues. This technology provides a more detailed diagnostic image than CT scans, enabling it to characterize pulmonary nodules, stage bronchogenic carcinoma, and evaluate inflammatory activity in...
Atypical Pneumonia01:14

Atypical Pneumonia

Atypical pneumonia, often caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, is a form of pulmonary infection that differs from the classical presentation of bacterial pneumonia in both its cause and clinical symptoms. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a pleomorphic bacterium notable for its lack of a rigid cell wall. This structural characteristic imparts resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics and significantly influences the bacterium’s behavior within the human host.Other pathogens responsible for the disease include...
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:29

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that leads to inflammation of the lung parenchyma, often resulting in the accumulation of inflammatory exudate in the alveoli and airways. Unlike the watery, low-protein fluid exudate in pulmonary edema, the exudate in this case is a thick fluid rich in immune cells, proteins, and debris produced during infection and inflammation.This impairs gas exchange and can lead to consolidation of lung tissue. The infection may be caused by a...