Koushik Muthu Raja Mathivanan1, Swetha Sasikumar2, Gokulakrishnan Periakaruppan3, Rajagopalan Balakrishnan4, Uma Sekar5
Influenza viruses are common seasonal pathogens affecting the human respiratory system. H1N1 pneumonia (swine flu) is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by one of the several swine flu influenza A viruses. H1N1 infection can present with illness ranging from an asymptomatic infection to life threatening ARDS in vulnerable groups. H1N1 pneumonia can present with a wide variety of radiological findings. HRCT Thorax has been of great importance in identifying the extent of the lung involvement and diagnosing H1N1 pneumonia in an emergency set up.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A retrospective study of HRCT-Thorax findings of 28 patients with H1N1 pneumonia, confirmed through laboratory tests, during the period of September 2016 to February 2017. CT Thorax were evaluated for the radiological patterns and distribution.
RESULTS
The predominant radiological findings in HRCT thorax were Bilateral and diffuse. Ground glass opacities (71%), Consolidation (50%), Pleural effusion (32%) and nodularity (7%). Peribronchial and subpleural consolidation is predominantly seen. Other findings include emphysematous changes and lymphadenopathy.
CONCLUSION
Bilateral diffuse ground glass opacities with areas of consolidation of peribroncial and subpleural predominance and pleural effusion are the commonest radiological finding of H1N1 pnuemonia.
