Clinical Application of High-Resolution Computed Tomographic Imaging Features of Community-Acquired Pneumonia

Abstract

BackgroundThis article discusses the value of high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) in the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary infections. Lung infection caused by pathogens is an important cause of death. Traditional methods to treat lung infection involved empirical antibiotic therapy. Thin-slice CT scanning is widely used in the clinical setting, and HRCT scan can very clearly show alveolar and bronchiolar involvement of infection.Material/MethodsIn total, 178 patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) were enrolled. All the patients underwent CT scan, qualified sputum, and blood samples for culture or immunological biochemical tests. CT imaging features, pathogenic bacteria, and treatment results were used for statistical analysis.ResultsIn 77 patients with lobar consolidation, the rate of detection was 43.26% (77/178), and in 101 patients with lobular pneumonia it was 56.74% (101/178). In 51 patients, pathogenic bacteria were detected (28.65%, 51/178). Sixteen of 33 patients detected with bacteria had cavities (48.5%, 16/33) and 35 of 145 patients detected with bacteria had no cavities (24.1%, 35/145). The difference between the 2 groups was statistically significant (χ2=7.795, P=0.005). According to the pathogenic bacteria, 38 patients were cured (74.51%, 38/51), and according to the CT imaging features 81 patients were cured (71.05%, 81/114). No statistically significant difference was found between them (χ2=0.209, P=0.647).ConclusionsTreatment effect of CAP based on HRCT findings is not inferior to treatment effect guided by microbial characterization.

Complication of Community-Acquired Pneumonia (Including Cardiac Complications)

“…[25][26][27] In addition, computed tomography (CT) of the chest can assist in the differentiation of a complicated parapneumonic effusion (e.g., empyema) from lung abscess. 28,29 Once the parapneumonic pleural effusion is confirmed by thoracic ultrasound, a safe thoracentesis procedure should be performed to diagnose complicated pleural effusions. 28 Complicated pleural effusions are defined according to the laboratory tests that include glucose level of < 2.2mmol/L, or lactase dehydrogenase (LDH) concentration of >1,000 U/L or a pH of <7.0 and empyema by the presence of bacteria on Gram stain or a positive bacterial culture.…”