Radiological findings of chest in patients with H7N9 avian influenza from a hospital

Abstract Objective To analyze the chest X-ray and computed tomography (CT) findings of human infection with avian-origin influenza H7N9 virus from a hospital. Materials and methods Chest X-ray or CT was performed in five patients with H7N9 avian influenza within 2 weeks after onset. The chest imaging data and characteristics of five patients were analyzed retrospectively. Results Abnormal findings were shown on chest X-ray and CT images in all of the patients. The main abnormal findings included ground-glass opacities (GGOs) in all five cases, consolidations with air bronchograms and pleural effusion in four patients. In the early onset of four patients, the right lobe was more commonly affected (particularly in the right lower lobes). Over the course of disease, the lesions were rapidly progressed to bilateral lungs, and from focal or multifocal to diffuse. Ipsilateral pleural effusion also appeared and developed with the coexisting consolidation. Imaging findings closely reflected the overall clinical progression and severity of the disease. Conclusion With the right lower lobe prominence, the main abnormal findings in H7N9 pneumonia include rapidly progressive GGOs, consolidations with air bronchograms, and pleural effusion. CT imaging may provide a more accurate assessment of the lung pathology with H7N9 avian influenza, helping the early diagnosis and monitoring its progression.