Imaging of pediatric pulmonary infections: A pictorial review.

Abstract

Pulmonary infections remain a leading cause of morbidity and hospitalization in children. While the clinical presentation often guides diagnosis and treatment, imaging-particularly chest radiography-plays an essential adjunctive role. This is especially true when the diagnosis is uncertain or complications arise. This review synthesizes the characteristic imaging findings associated with common viral, bacterial, and fungal pathogens in pediatric patients. Emphasis is placed on identifying overlapping radiographic features, recognizing patterns suggestive of specific etiologies, and understanding the implications of radiographic complications for clinical management. In addition to reviewing pathogen-specific manifestations, we discuss the evolving role of computed tomography and other advanced imaging modalities for the diagnosis and monitoring of complex pulmonary infections in the pediatric population.