title: Computed tomographic features of pulmonary septic emboli: comparison of causative microorganisms.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe and compare the computed tomographic (CT) findings of pulmonary septic emboli in causative microorganisms.
  
  
  METHODS
  The CT findings of 16 patients (8 men and 8 women; age range, 17 to 80 years; mean, 53.1 years) with documented pulmonary septic emboli were retrospectively reviewed by 2 radiologists; their decisions on the findings were reached by consensus. Statistical analysis was performed using the t test and the chi test.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 197 peripheral nodules were seen in 6 gram-positive (n = 88) and 10 gram-negative (n = 109) septic pulmonary emboli patients, respectively. The sizes of the nodules (15.94 mm; range, 3-46 mm) in gram-positive septic emboli were larger than those (12.29 mm; range, 4-44 mm) in gram-negative septic emboli (P = 0.006). Cavitation (n = 30 [34%] vs n = 23 [21%]; P = 0.041) and air bronchogram (n = 12 [14%] vs n = 4 [4%]; P = 0.008) within the nodules were more commonly seen in gram-positive septic emboli. A ground-glass attenuation halo around a nodule (n = 69 [63%] vs n = 32 [36%]; P = 0.000) and feeding vessel signs (n = 56 [51%] vs n = 25 [28%]; P = 0.001) were more commonly seen in gram-negative septic emboli. Wedge-shaped peripheral lesions abutting the pleura were seen in 4 gram-positive (67%) and in 1 gram-negative (10%) septic emboli patients, respectively (P = 0.047).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The detailed CT characteristics of peripheral nodules in pulmonary septic emboli may be able to differentiate the causative microorganisms and to provide additional information regarding treatment plans in patients with sepsis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Pusan National University Hospital, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Pusan, Korea.
authors.forename: Woon Jung
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Kwon
authors.forename: Yeon Joo
authors.initials: YJ
authors.lastname: Jeong
authors.forename: Kun-Il
authors.initials: KI
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: In Sook
authors.initials: IS
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Ung Bae
authors.initials: UB
authors.lastname: Jeon
authors.forename: Sun Hee
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Young Dae
authors.initials: YD
authors.lastname: Kim
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000382:microbiology*; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003287:Contrast Media; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000382:microbiology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D036542:Tomography, Spiral Computed / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media