Pediatric Lower Respiratory Tract Infections: Imaging Guidelines and Recommendations

Radiol Clin North Am. 2022 Jan;60(1):15-40. doi: 10.1016/j.rcl.2021.08.003.

Abstract

Lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children. Various organisms cause LRTI, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites, among others. Infections caused by 2 or more organisms also occur, sometimes enhancing the severity of the infection. Medical imaging helps confirm a diagnosis but also plays a role in the evaluation of acute and chronic sequelae. Medical imaging tests help evaluate underlying pathology in pediatric patients with recurrent or long-standing symptoms as well as the immunocompromised.

Keywords: Chest imaging; Children; Infant; Lower respiratory tract infections; Pediatric patients; Pneumonia; Radiologic imaging.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Diagnostic Imaging / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic*
  • Respiratory System / diagnostic imaging
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / diagnostic imaging*