Mycoplasma pneumonia: Clinical and radiographic features in 39 children.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present paper was to evaluate the clinical and chest radiographic features of pediatric patients with serologically proven Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (mycoplasma pneumonia).

METHODS: The clinical records and chest radiographs of 39 consecutive patients (19 male, 20 female; age 3-13 years) with serologically positive IgG and IgM mycoplasma pneumonia were reviewed.

RESULTS: More than 90% of patients presented with fever and cough and 48% of patients had leukocyte count >10,000/mm(3). A C-reactive protein (CRP) level >0.375 mg/dL was noted in 28 patients (72%). Chest radiographs displayed four different patterns: (i) peribronchial and perivascular interstitial infiltrates (n= 19, 49%); (ii) airspace consolidations (n= 15, 38%); (iii) reticulonodular opacification (n= 3, 8%); and (iv) nodular or mass-like opacification (n= 2, 5%). Bilateral peribronchial perivascular interstitial infiltrations in central and middle lung zones were frequently seen (n= 19, 49%). Other radiological features were bilateral lesions in 51% of patients, pleural effusion in 23%, and hilar lymphadenopathy in 13%. Means of duration for treatment response and hospitalization were 2.5 and 5 days, respectively.

CONCLUSION: There are various radiological features of mycoplasma pneumonia in children. Bilateral peribronchial and perivascular interstitial infiltrates were most frequently seen in the present patients.