Lung infections in immunocompromised children

Pediatr Radiol. 2024 Apr;54(4):530-547. doi: 10.1007/s00247-023-05735-1. Epub 2023 Aug 17.

Abstract

Pulmonary infection is the leading cause of infectious morbidity and mortality in children with immune defects. We provide a comprehensive review of lung infections in immunocompromised children, with a focus on imaging findings and imaging-based management. We include an overview of the immune defences of the respiratory tract, the aetiologies of immune defects in children, the features of specific infections and important differential diagnoses and describe diagnostic strategies using imaging and non-imaging-based techniques.

Keywords: Chest; Immunodeficiency; Infection; Lung; Paediatric; Radiology; Respiratory.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Humans
  • Immunocompromised Host
  • Lung
  • Pneumonia*
  • Respiratory Tract Infections* / diagnostic imaging