CHEST RADIOGRAPHIC FINDINGS IN CHILDREN WITH ASPIRATION PNEUMONIA
CASE REPORT
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61699/cjmps-v3-i3-4-p63-71Keywords:
Aspiration pneumonia, Chest radiography, Radiology, Diagnosis in childrenAbstract
Aspiration pneumonia is an important cause of morbidity in pediatric patients, particularly in high-risk groups such as premature infants and children with neurological disorders, dysphagia, or gastroesophageal reflux disease. Impairment of normal protective mechanisms increases the risk of aspiration, while Mendelson’s syndrome represents a severe form of gastric acid–induced lung injury. Radiologically, aspiration pneumonia typically presents with an initial alveolar pattern that may progress to interstitial involvement. Common imaging findings include perihilar infiltrates, consolidation, and atelectasis, most frequently affecting the right lower lobe. In mild cases, radiographic changes may resolve within 24–48 hours, whereas acidic aspiration may result in more significant pulmonary injury. Chest radiography remains the primary diagnostic tool. Early diagnosis and management are essential to prevent complications and chronic lung damage. This study presents pediatric case of aspiration pneumonia and its radiological findings.
References
Bartlett JG. Aspiration pneumonia. In: Baum. G.L., Emanuel, W. Text 1989;85(1):155-61 book of pulmonary diseases. 5th ed. Vol. 1, Boston, Little, Brown and Company, 1993, pp.593-606.
Buonsenso D, De Rose C, Morello R, Lazzareschi I, Valentini P. Aspiration pneumonia in children with neurological disorders: a new indication for lung ultrasound? A case series. J Ultrasound. 2022;25(2):325-331. doi:10.1007/ s40477-020-00520-4
Chandola S, Bhalla AS, Jana M, Naranje P, Vyas S. Pulmonary Aspiration Syndromes: An Imaging-based Review. J Thorac Imaging. 2025;40(4):e0821. Published 2025 Jul 1. doi:10.1097/ RTI.0000000000000821
Chen X, Pereira N, Ciecierega T, Graw-Panzer K, Maresh AM. Aerodigestive evaluation of pediatric patients with chronic aspiration. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2024;182:112028. doi:10.1016/j. ijporl.2024.112028
Dop D, Gheonea C, Stănescu GL, et al. Aspiration pneumonia in an infant with neurological sequelae - case report. Rom J Morphol Embryol. 2015;56(3):1191-1194
Girard V, Bai AD. Aspiration pneumonia. CMAJ. 2023; 195 (41): E1417. doi:10.1503/cmaj.230628
Gropper MA, Miller RD, Eriksson LI, et al. Miller’s Anesthesia, 2-Volume Set (9th Edition) – PDF. Elsevier; May 2, 2019
Imdad A, Wang AG, Adlakha V, et al. Laryngeal Penetration and Risk of Aspiration Pneumonia in Children with Dysphagia-A Systematic Review. J Clin Med. 2023; 12(12):4087. Published 2023 Jun 16. doi:10.3390/jcm12124087
Karim RM, Momin IA, Lalani II, et al. Aspiration pneumonia in pediatric age group: etiology, predisposing factors and clinical outcome. J Pak Med Assoc. 1999;49(4):105-108.
Komiya K, Rubin BK, Kadota JI, et al. Prognostic implications of aspiration pneumonia in patients with community acquired pneumonia: A systematic review with meta-analysis. Sci Rep. 2016;6:38097. Published 2016 Dec 7. doi:10.1038/srep38097
Mandell LA, Niederman MS. Aspiration pneumonia. N Engl J Med 2019;380:651-63
Marik PE. Aspiration pneumonitis and aspiration pneumonia. N Engl J Med 2001; 344: 665-71
de Oliveira GA, Pessanha LB, Guerra LF, Martins DL, Rondina RG, Silva JR. Aspiration pneumonia in children: an iconographic essay. Radiol Bras. 2015;48(6):391-395. doi:10.1590/0100-3984.2014.0007
Parkash UB. Lungs in mixed connective tissue disease. J. Thorac. Imaging, 1992;7:55-61
Petroianni A, Ceccarelli D, Conti V, Terzano C. Aspiration pneumonia. Pathophysiological aspects, prevention and management. A review. Panminerva Med. 2006; 48(4): 231- 239.
Plut D, Winant AJ, Mahomed N, et al. Unusual pediatric lung infections: imaging findings. Pediatr Radiol. 2024;54(4):516-529. doi:10.1007/s00247-023-05818-z
Rashed, M.M., Hosseini, M.H., Beizae, B. et al. Imaging changes of oil aspiration over time in children: a case series. Egypt J Bronchol 17, 63 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1186/s43168-023-00242-1
Rossi, C.S., da Silva, R.D., Ribeiro, M. et al. Risk Factors Associated to Aspiration Pneumonia in Adults and Elderly Patients: A Scoping Review. Dysphagia (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00455-025-10887-3].
Shabeera RP, MounikaV, Pneumonia and types & An Over view on aspiration pneumonia, Int. J. of Pharm. Sci., 2024, Vol 2, Issue 1, 675-689. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10570770
Salik I, Doherty TM. Mendelson Syndrome. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; June 12, 2023.
Sanivarapu RR, Vaqar S, Gibson J. Aspiration Pneumonia. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; March 20, 2024. Sanivarapu RR, Vaqar S, Gibson J. Aspiration Pneumonia. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; March 20, 2024
Son YG, Shin J, Ryu HG. Pneumonitis and pneumonia after aspiration. J Dent Anesth Pain Med. 2017; 17(1): 1-12. doi:10.17245/jdapm. 2017.17.1.1
Tutor JD, Gosa MM. Dysphagia and aspiration in children. Pediatr Pulmonol, 2012, 47(4):321–337
Weir K, McMahon S, Barry L, Ware R, Masters IB, Chang AB. Oropharyngeal aspiration and pneumonia in children. Pediatr Pulmonol, 2007, 42(11):1024–1031
