Related Experiment Videos
Pneumatocele in infants and children. Report of 12 cases
Abstract:
Pneumatoceles were found in 2.4 per cent of 493 infants and children with pneumonia. In all cases, attempts were made to establish the etiology by means of blood cultures and of deep tracheal aspirations or pleural punctures, when indicated. A definite cause was established in 9 of 12 cases. Seven were due to infection: in two Hemophilus influenzae was involved; two others were due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa; and Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Streptococcus pneumoniae were each isolated in one case. Two pneumatoceles were seen following kerosene ingestion. A coagulase negative staphylococcus isolated only on blood culture in one other child may have been related to the illness. Two patients experienced spontaneous pneumothorax and died of progressive respiratory failure due to enlargement of the pneumatocele, but all the other patients recovered without complication. Pneumatoceles in childhood can result from a variety of bacterologic infections as well as from kerosene ingestion.
Insights
Pneumatoceles, air-filled sacs in the lungs, affect 2.4% of children with pneumonia. Common causes include bacterial infections and kerosene ingestion, with most patients recovering fully.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Pulmonology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Pneumatoceles are air-filled sacs in the lungs that can complicate pneumonia in children.
- Etiology and outcomes of pediatric pneumatoceles require further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence, causes, and clinical outcomes of pneumatoceles in infants and children with pneumonia.
- To identify common etiologies, including infectious agents and environmental factors.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 493 infants and children diagnosed with pneumonia.
- Etiological investigations included blood cultures, tracheal aspirations, and pleural fluid analysis.
- Clinical data on patient recovery and complications were collected.
Main Results:
- Pneumatoceles were identified in 2.4% of pediatric pneumonia cases.
- Infectious etiologies were confirmed in 7 of 12 cases, with common pathogens including Hemophilus influenzae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Streptococcus pneumoniae.
- Kerosene ingestion was identified as a cause in two cases.
- Two patients developed spontaneous pneumothorax and died from respiratory failure; other patients recovered without complications.
Conclusions:
- Pneumatoceles in childhood pneumonia have diverse causes, primarily bacterial infections and accidental kerosene ingestion.
- While most cases resolve without sequelae, severe complications like pneumothorax can occur.
- Prompt etiological diagnosis is crucial for appropriate management and improved outcomes.