Lung in dengue: computed tomography findings.

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Infectious Diseases
• Pulmonology

Background:

• Dengue is a significant global mosquito-borne viral illness.
• Infections range from asymptomatic to severe dengue.
• Lower respiratory symptoms and lung imaging data are infrequently reported.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and characterize lung changes in dengue patients using chest computed tomography (CT).

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 2,020 confirmed dengue cases.
• Chest CT scans were performed on 29 patients.
• Evaluation of CT findings and histopathological data from fatal cases.

Main Results:

• Abnormal CT findings were observed in 17 out of 29 patients.
• Pleural effusion was the most common abnormality (16 patients).
• Pulmonary abnormalities included ground-glass opacity and consolidation, often mild to moderate.

Conclusions:

• Chest CT findings of lower respiratory tract involvement in dengue are infrequent.
• Pleural effusion is the most common abnormality when present.
• Extensive lung abnormalities are rare and may suggest alternative diagnoses.