title: Differential diagnosis of fever and pulmonary densities in mechanically ventilated patients.
abstract: Sepsis continues to represent a major threat to the recovery of mechanically ventilated patients and a serious challenge to physicians in charge of their care. Diagnosis of pneumonia is made difficult by numerous infectious and noninfectious conditions that may present in a clinically similar fashion. Clinical criteria are insensitive in identifying extrapulmonary sources of fever. Furthermore, several pathologic conditions may coexist in a single patient, making correct diagnosis and treatment even more difficult. A thorough understanding of the various causes of fever and pulmonary densities, other than pneumonia, is necessary to avoid misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. This understanding then allows a systematic approach to diagnosis using the most appropriate tests.
authors.affiliation: Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Tennessee-Memphis 38163, USA.
authors.forename: F B
authors.initials: FB
authors.lastname: Louthan
authors.forename: G U
authors.initials: GU
authors.lastname: Meduri
mesh_terms: D003428:Cross Infection / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D003663:Decision Trees; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005334:Fever / Q000209:etiology*; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D001261:Pulmonary Atelectasis / Q000175:diagnosis; D012121:Respiration, Artificial / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012128:Respiratory Distress Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis