Chest radiological analysis of SARS in children / 中华放射学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To discuss the radiological characteristics and improve the diagnostic ability of SARS in children. Methods The clinical data and X-ray findings of 35 SARS cases who hospitalized during Jan, 2003～Apr, 2003 were retrospectively analyzed. Results Chest X-ray features were as follows massive consolidation (27 cases, 77.1%), pulmonary interstitial infiltration (6 cases, 17.1%), and mixed pattern (2 cases, 5.7%). There were two patients with emphysema, but no patient with lung abscess or pleural lesion. The radiological dynamic changes showed that the lesions of lung appeared early, the severest period was between the fifth day and the seventh day, the X-ray findings were not consistent with physical sign, and the absorption of lesion was slower than the clinical process. Conclusion There are some certain radiographic characteristic in children with SARS. A correct diagnosis can be made by closely combining the X-ray findings with clinical and laboratory results.