Imaging of pulmonary infections encountered in the emergency department in post-COVID 19 era- common, rare and exotic. Bacterial and viral

Shruti Kumar, Sabarish Narayanasamy, Pankaj Nepal, Devendra Kumar, Baphiralyne Wankhar, Prem Batchala, Neeraj Kaur, Suryakala Buddha, Joe Jose, Vijayanadh Ojili

Emerg Radiol . 2024 Aug;31(4):543-550. doi: 10.1007/s10140-024-02248-8. Epub 2024 Jun 5.

Abstract

Pulmonary infections contribute substantially to emergency department (ED) visits, posing a considerable health burden. Lower respiratory tract infections are prevalent, particularly among the elderly, constituting a significant percentage of infectious disease-related ED visits. Timely recognition and treatment are crucial to mitigate morbidity and mortality. Imaging studies, primarily chest radiographs and less frequently CT chests, play a pivotal role in diagnosis. This article aims to elucidate the imaging patterns of both common and rare pulmonary infections (bacterial and viral) in the post COVID-19 era, emphasizing the importance of recognizing distinct radiological manifestations. The integration of clinical and microbiological evidence aids in achieving accurate diagnoses, and guiding optimal therapeutic interventions. Despite potential overlapping manifestations, a nuanced understanding of radiological patterns, coupled with comprehensive clinical and microbiological information, enhances diagnostic precision in majority cases.