High-resolution computed tomography enhances the diagnosis and follow-up of influenza A (H1N1) virus-associated pneumonia

Abstract

Introduction: We present the findings on high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of influenza A (H1N1) virus-associated pneumonia of 140 patients with acute and post-acute pneumonia, totaling 189 exams in a retrospective observational study evaluating the importance of HRCT as a diagnostic imaging method in the acute phase and in the follow-up of pneumonia. Methodology: We performed a retrospective observational study evaluating the HRCT findings of 140 adult patients with confirmed diagnosis of influenza A (H1N1) pneumonia and without other associated infectious processes. Chest X-ray exams were also performed in these patients. Results: The main HRCT findings of lung involvement were airspace consolidation (57 cases), ground-glass opacities (40 cases) and an association of both aspects (43 cases), with a predominantly bilateral and peripheral distribution. Conclusions: HRCT is able to distinguish small lesions, such as small areas of consolidation or ground glass opacities, with little increase in lung attenuation, when chest X-rays was normal, allowing a prompt diagnosis and treatment after imaging.