Cavitating pneumonia

Dr Yuranga Weerakkody◉ et al.

Cavitating pneumonia is a complication that can occur with a severe necrotising

pneumonia and in some publications it is used synonymously with the latter term 2. It
is a rare complication in both children and adults.

Cavitation associated Mycobacterium tuberculosis is separately discussed in

the pulmonary tuberculosis article.

Pathology
Cavitation can occur from a variety of organisms.

Paediatric population
Albeit rare, cavitation is most commonly caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae which
other less frequently being Aspergillus spp., Legionella spp. and Staphylococcus
aureus 4.

In children cavitation associated with severe illness although cases usually resolve
without surgical intervention, and long-term follow-up radiography shows clear lungs
without pulmonary sequelae 1,6.

Adult population
Although the absolute cavitary rate may not be known, according to one series,
necrotising changes were seen in up to 6.6% of of adults with pneumococcal
pneumonia 7. Kleibsiella pneumoniae is also another organism that is known to cause
cavitation 8.

Radiographic features
Plain radiograph
May show a subtle area of radiolucency superimposed on a region of consolidation.

Late sequelae
 pneumatocoele formation
 lung abscess formation
https://radiopaedia.org/articles/cavitating-pneumonia