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Early echo-guided percutaneous aspiration of peripheral lung abscesses in children: report of two cases
K S Wong1, K M Yeow, Y C Huang
1Division of Pediatric Pulmonology, Chang Gung Children's Hospital, Taoyuan; R.O.C.
Insights
Early percutaneous aspiration for pediatric lung abscesses is effective. This procedure, confirmed by bacterial growth and penicillin G susceptibility, offers a safe, cost-effective alternative to prolonged antibiotic therapy, shortening hospital stays.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Infectious Diseases
- Interventional Radiology
Background:
- Lung abscesses in children can present with significant symptoms like fever and chest pain.
- Traditional management often involves a prolonged course of antibiotic therapy (10-14 days).
Observation:
- Two pediatric patients presented with fever and chest pain, diagnosed with lung abscesses via imaging.
- Echo-guided percutaneous aspiration identified Fusobacterium sp. and Veillonella parvula, both susceptible to penicillin G.
Findings:
- Prompt percutaneous aspiration led to rapid symptom resolution within 24 hours.
- The identified bacterial pathogens demonstrated susceptibility to penicillin G.
Implications:
- Early percutaneous aspiration of peripheral lung abscesses is a safe and cost-effective intervention.
- This approach can reduce the need for extended parenteral antibiotic treatment and shorten hospitalization duration in pediatric patients.
Abstract:
A 9 year-old boy and a 7 year-old girl suffered from fever and chest pains before they were brought to Chang Gung Children's Hospital. Chest radiographs and computed tomography scans showed lung abscesses with pleural attachment, and using echo-guidance, percutaneous aspirations were done which confirmed the growth of Fusobacterium sp, and Veillonella parvula respectively, both of which are susceptible to penicillin G. The fever and chest pains subsided within 24 hours after the procedure. We suggest using early percutaneous aspiration of peripheral located lung abscesses soon after admission, rather than after a 10-14 day trial of antibiotic therapy: it can be a safe and cost-effective procedure to shorten the duration of the parenteral antibiotic treatment and hospitalization.
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