Roentgenographic follow-up of acute pneumonia in children.
The need for follow-up roentgenograms documenting complete clearing of pulmonary infiltrates in the pediatric patient with acute pneumonia was studied prospectively. Seventy of 129 children enrolled in the study had a repeat roentgenogram within three to four weeks after initial diagnosis. Twenty percent of this group had residual pulmonary infiltrates. Of the two thirds of those who returned for a second follow-up roetgenogram, the infiltratrates had cleared completely within three months. Routine repeat chest roentgenograms may not be necessary unless there is clinical evidence of persistent respiratory difficulty or failure to thrive.
D000208:Acute Disease; D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008168:Lung / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011014:Pneumonia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011859:Radiography