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Atypical Pneumonia: Definition, Causes, and Imaging Features
Nicholas P Dueck1, Samantha Epstein1, Tomás Franquet1
1From the Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging (N.P.D., S.E., J.B.) and Department of Infectious Diseases and International Health (C.C.M.), University of Virginia Medical Center, 1215 Lee St, PO Box 800170, Charlottesville, VA 22908; and Department of Radiology, Hospital de Sant Pau-Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain (T.F.).
Abstract:
Pneumonia is among the most common causes of death worldwide. The epidemiologic and clinical heterogeneity of pneumonia results in challenges in diagnosis and treatment. There is inconsistency in the definition of the group of microorganisms that cause "atypical pneumonia." Nevertheless, the use of this term in the medical and radiologic literature is common. Among the causes of community-acquired pneumonia, atypical bacteria are responsible for approximately 15% of cases. Zoonotic and nonzoonotic bacteria, as well as viruses, have been considered among the causes of atypical pneumonia in a patient who is immunocompetent and have been associated with major community outbreaks of respiratory infection, with relevant implications in public health policies. Considering the difficulty of isolating atypical microorganisms and the significant overlap in clinical manifestations, a targeted empirical therapy is not possible. Imaging plays an important role in the diagnosis and management of atypical pneumonia, as in many cases its findings may first suggest the possibility of an atypical infection. Clarifying and unifying the definition of atypical pneumonia among the medical community, including radiologists, are of extreme importance. The prompt diagnosis and prevention of community spread of some atypical microorganisms can have a relevant impact on local, regional, and global health policies. ©RSNA, 2021.
Insights
Atypical pneumonia, often caused by bacteria and viruses, presents diagnostic challenges. Clarifying its definition and improving early detection are crucial for effective treatment and public health.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Radiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Pneumonia is a leading cause of global mortality.
- Atypical pneumonia lacks a consistent definition, causing diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.
- Atypical bacteria cause about 15% of community-acquired pneumonia cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the challenges in defining and diagnosing atypical pneumonia.
- To emphasize the role of imaging in identifying atypical pneumonia.
- To stress the importance of a unified definition for public health.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on atypical pneumonia.
- Analysis of diagnostic challenges and treatment implications.
- Discussion of the role of imaging in atypical pneumonia diagnosis.
Main Results:
- Inconsistency in the definition of atypical pneumonia microorganisms persists.
- Imaging findings can suggest atypical pneumonia, aiding diagnosis.
- Prompt diagnosis and prevention of spread are vital for public health.
Conclusions:
- A unified definition of atypical pneumonia is essential for clinicians and radiologists.
- Improved diagnostic strategies, including imaging, are needed.
- Effective management of atypical pneumonia impacts public health policies.
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