Ultrasound studies on Mycoplasma bronchopneumonia

Abstract

Backround Pediatric bronchopneumonia represents a clinical challenge, especially when it comes to the identification of its etiology. Working Hypothesis We performed a retrospective study on 100 patients  admitted  to  our Pediatric  Department.  Only  patients with  bronchopneumonic  thickening were selected, discharged with a diagnosis of Community - Acquired  Pneumonia  (CAP) or bronchopneumonia. The purpose of our study was to identify Mycoplasma Pneumonia based on lung ultrasound (LUS) findings. Methodology  At least two lung LUS  were  performed  on each  patient: on admission and few days  after start of therapy, with most patients undergoing a third ultrasound evaluation approximately one week after discharge. These reports were collected for each patient together with clinical and laboratory data. The  study  population  was   divided  into   two  groups:   patients   who   tested  positive   for  Mycoplasma pneumoniae  (Myc-CAP)  and  negative  ones  (non-Myc-CAP).  All  patients  performed  serological  test  for determination  of  anti-mycoplasma  antibodies,  and  in  doubtful  cases  also  molecular  test  with  PCR  on pharyngeal exudate. Results The results obtained after statistical analysis showed no significant differences in LUS findings between the two groups, that could allow a positive differential diagnosis of Myc-CAP without resorting to laboratory testing. Conclusions LUS undoubtedly represents a valid and irreplaceable help in the morphological study of pulmonary lesions over the course of disease from the time of admission to follow-up.