J Korean Radiol Soc.  2003 Dec;49(6):469-473. 10.3348/jkrs.2003.49.6.469.

High-Resolution CT Findings of Varicella-Zoster Pneumonia

• Choo HJ
• Kim KI
• Lee KN

• KMID: 2103747
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3348/jkrs.2003.49.6.469

Abstract

PURPOSE: To describe the high-resolution CT findings of varicella-zoster pneumonia.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Seven adult patients with clinically and serologically diagnosed varicella-zoster pneumonia underwent HRCT scanning. One had undergone a kidney transplant, and the others were immunocompetent. The HRCT findings were retrospectively analyzed by two radiologists in terms of the presence of a nodule, pneumonic consolidation, ground-glass attenuation and pleural effusion, and with regard to the number, size and distribution of nodules.
RESULTS
HRCT findings of varicella pneumonia included nodule (n=7), consolidation (n=3), diffuse groundglass attenuation (n=1) and pleural effusion (n=1). Nodules were mostly 2-10 mm in size, and multiple (n=6), and zonal predominancy was not apparent. One case in which HRCT demonstrated diffuse groundglass opacity and slight bilateral pleural effusion involved a patient in whom complications of acute respiratory distress syndrome occured.
CONCLUSION
When HRCT demonstrates the presence of nodules 2-10 mm in size multiple nodules, or nodule surrounded by ground-glass attenuation, or the coalescence of nodules and consolidation is observed in adults with chickenpox, the varicella-zoster pneumonia should be included in the differential diagnosis.

Keyword

Lung, CT; Lung, infection; Viruses

MeSH Terms

Adult
Chickenpox
Diagnosis, Differential
Fluconazole
Humans
Kidney
Pleural Effusion
Pneumonia*
Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Adult
Retrospective Studies
Fluconazole