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A 22-Month-Old Girl With 3 Weeks of Dyspnea
John T Kennedy1, Katherine T Braley2, Peter D Wearden3
1University of Central Florida College of Medicine, Orlando, FL.
Insights
A previously healthy toddler experienced worsening respiratory symptoms despite antibiotic treatment for suspected pneumonia. This case highlights the importance of considering alternative diagnoses when standard treatments fail.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- A 22-month-old girl presented with progressive dyspnea on exertion.
- Initial chest radiograph revealed a right upper-lobe opacity suggestive of pneumonia.
Observation:
- Despite amoxicillin treatment, symptoms of cough, dyspnea, and tachypnea worsened.
- Subsequent treatment with azithromycin and albuterol provided only brief improvement.
- The patient developed irritability, decreased intake, oliguria, and perioral cyanosis, remaining afebrile.
Findings:
- The case details a diagnostic challenge in pediatric respiratory illness.
- Persistent symptoms despite initial antibiotic therapy indicated a need for further investigation.
Implications:
- This case underscores the necessity of considering non-pneumonic etiologies in pediatric respiratory distress.
- Early recognition and comprehensive evaluation are crucial for effective management of complex pediatric cases.
Case Presentation:
A previously healthy 22-month-old girl presented to the ED with a 3-week history of dyspnea on exertion. A chest radiograph showed a right upper-lobe opacity suspicious for pneumonia (Fig 1A). The patient was prescribed amoxicillin but returned to the ED 7 days later with cough and persistent dyspnea and tachypnea. At that time, a repeat chest radiograph was concerning for worsening pneumonia (Fig 1B). Treatment with azithromycin and albuterol was initiated, and amoxicillin was discontinued. Her symptoms briefly improved; however, she returned to the ED 10 days later because of worsening cough and tachypnea, and a 2-day history of increased irritability, decreased oral intake, decreased urine output, and intermittent perioral cyanosis. She was afebrile throughout this period per parent report and vital sign documentation at each ED visit.
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