Mycoplasma Pneumonia in Children: Radiographic Pattern Analysis and Difference in Resolution

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: By analysing frequency and disease progression, this study aimed to investigate and predict the prognosis of mycoplasma pneumonia according to radiographic pattern. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed plain chest radiographs of 230 patients in whom mycoplasm pneumonia had been serologically confirmed.Their age ranged from two months to 14 years and two months, and 203(88.3%) were younger than eight years. Radiographic patterns were classified as air space consolidation, bronchopneumonic, interstitial pneumonic ordiffuse mixed infiltrating type. The radiologic resolution period for each type was analysed by the resolution of symptoms and normalization of radiologic findings. RESULTS: The bronchopneumonic type, which was the most common, was seen in 82 patients (35.6%), airspace consolidation in 58 (25.2%), interstitial in 55 (23.9%), and diffuse mixedin 22 (9.57%). In thirteen patients (5.7%), chest radiographs were normal, though the clinical and radiologic resolution period for each type was variable. The mean resolution period of the air space consolidation type was 14.5 days, bronchopneumonic, 7.6 days ; interstitial, 10.5 days, and diffuse mixed, 15.6 days. The airspace consolidation type needed the longest recovery period, exceeded only by the diffuse mixed type. CONCLUSION: The bronchopneumonic type was the most common radiographic pattern of mycoplasma pneumonia. The prognosis of the airspace consolidation type seems to be poorest, since this required the longest recovery period.