CT Findings in Patients Affected by H1N1 Influenza Virus

Abstract

ABSTRACT\ud Objectives: To evaluate the primary lesions, the complications and the evolution of disease in patients affected by H1N1 viral infection. Materials and Methods: 24 Patients affected by H1N1 infection, diagnosed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on throat swabs, underwent CT examination. Seven patients were hospitalized in intensive care unit (ICU). In five patients the evolution of disease was monitored. The following features were evaluated: primary lesions significant for viral infection, their possible complications and the evolution of disease in controlled patients. Results: Primary lesions variously associated with each other were found in 22 out of 24 patients: ground glass opacities (19/24, 79.2%), interstitial thickening (13/24, 54.2%), centrilobular nodules (3/24, 12.5%) and consolidation (8/24, 33.3%). The following complications were observed: 3 consolidations with air bronchogram, 9 pleural effusions, 7 ARDS and 1 barotrauma. In the 5 patients who underwent follow-up (including 3 admitted to ICU), complete resolution was demonstrated in 4 cases and focal fibrotic evolution in one case. 3 ICU patients affected by ARDS died. Conclusions: In case of H1N1 virus infection. CT is an important tool for staging the disease, recognize complications and to study disease evolution