Abstract
Abstract Background: Pediatric bronchopneumonia represents a
clinical challenge, especially when it comes to the identification of
its etiology. Study design: We performed a retrospective study
on 100 patients admitted to our pediatric department. Only patients with
bronchopneumonic consolidations 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 some 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.