Imaging findings in a fatal case of pandemic swine-origin influenza A (H1N1).
OBJECTIVE
Although most cases of swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) virus (S-OIV) have been self-limited, fatal cases raise questions about virulence and radiology's role in early detection. We describe the radiographic and CT findings in a fatal S-OIV infection.


CONCLUSIONS
Radiography showed peripheral lung opacities. CT revealed peripheral ground-glass opacities suggesting peribronchial injury. These imaging findings raised suspicion of S-OIV despite negative H1N1 influenza rapid antigen test results from two nasopharyngeal swabs; subsequently, those results were proven to be false-negatives by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. This case suggests a role for CT in the early recognition of severe S-OIV.
Mollura
Daniel J
DJ
Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Clinical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA.
Asnis
Deborah S
DS
Crupi
Robert S
RS
Conetta
Rick
R
Feigin
David S
DS
Bray
Mike
M
Taubenberger
Jeffery K
JK
Bluemke
David A
DA
D017809:Fatal Outcome; D006801:Humans; D053118:Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed