ABSTRACT
Objective To enhance the cognition about the adult contagious atypical pneumonia for an expectation of earlier diagnosis, prevention and treatment.Methods We analyzed and summarized X-ray lung and clinical characteristics of 34 patients with contagious atypical pneumonias who were admitted to our hospital from Feb to April. 2003.Results X-ray findings of lung were characterized by mostly involving unilateral and presenting ill defined cloud or patches-form opacities. These lesions progressed and varied rapidly. The clinical manifestations were characterized by the onset of fever (34/34), mostly associated with systemic and joint aching pains (29/34) and dry coughs (29/34). Leucocyte counts showed normal or lower than normal. Patient with a continuing high fever might tend to develop ARDS (2/34). All the 34 patients recovered after combined therapies (anti-inflammation, anti-virus and promoting immunity ) and were discharged from hospital. The average in-hospital days were (10.6?4.2) days. Conclusion X-ray examination is the main method for the early diagnosis and observing state-variation. The predominant clinical features of this disease are fever, dry cough, aching pain in extremities, unconspicuous pulmonary signs as well as hemogram not rising, a continuing high fever may lead to the tendency of ARDS.