The chest radiological manifestation in psittacosis / 中华放射学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To summarize the cl inical characteristics and imaging features of psittacosis. Methods The clinical features and imaging appearances of 3 cases with acute psittacosis were retrospectively analyzed. The related literature was reviewed . Results The clinical manifestation of psittacosis was high fever in the patients. Physical findings included pulse-temperature dis sociation, localized lung crackles, hepatomegaly, and splenomegaly. Laboratory findings showed elevation of ESR in all cases, and liver dysfunction was present in 2 cases. The counts of white blood cells were normal, but the percent of ne utrophils might be increased. The chest X-ray and CT scan showed air-space co nsolidation and ground-glass attenuation in the lung, and miliary, nodular, or consolidated shadows were found in pathological areas. Pleural effusions were a lso present in 2 cases. Psittacosis was diagnosed from the history of exposure to infected parrots and elevation of the IgG and IgM titer for Chlamydia psittac i. Erythromycin was effective in all 3 patients. Conclusion Although the appearance of psittacosis on clinical findings and chest X-r ay and CT scan is not characteristic, psittacosis can be diagnosed with the comb ination of the history of exposure to infected parrots and laboratory findings. CT scan can reveal the focus earlier and accurately, and catching the imaging f eatures of psittacosis is helpful in differential diagnosis.