Non-infective pulmonary disease in HIV-positive children.

It is estimated that over 90% of children infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) live in the developing world and particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Pulmonary disease is the most common clinical feature of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in infants and children causing the most morbidity and mortality, and is the primary cause of death in 50% of cases. Children with lung disease are surviving progressively longer because of earlier diagnosis and antiretroviral treatment and, therefore, thoracic manifestations have continued to change and unexpected complications are being encountered.

Pulmonary infections in HIV-positive children.

Infection of the lungs and airways by viral, bacterial, fungal and protozoal agents, often producing atypical radiographic features, is common in children with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Conventional chest radiography and chest CT remain the most useful imaging modalities for evaluation of the immunocompromised patient presenting with a suspected pulmonary infection. In this review the radiological features of acute lung infections in this population are discussed.

The effects of misinterpretation of an artefact on multidetector row CT scans in children.

Background: Artefacts reflect problems with radiographic technique rather than true pathology. These may be misinterpreted as pathology with serious consequences. An artefact caused such problems in one paediatric imaging department.

Unusual forms of spinal tuberculosis.

Objective: The incidence of tuberculosis (TB) is increasing in both developing and developed worlds, and children, in particular, represent a high-risk group for acquiring the disease. TB of the central nervous system is the most severe, life-threatening form of TB in infants and children. Approximately 10% of all patients with TB have central nervous system involvement.

Pulmonary Kaposi sarcoma in six children.

Background: Pulmonary involvement in Kaposi sarcoma is rare in children and can be difficult to distinguish from other pathology.

Objective: To describe the radiological findings in paediatric pulmonary Kaposi sarcoma.

Materials And Methods: Sequential chest radiographs of six children and CT scans of four of these children were evaluated retrospectively.

Chylothorax as a complication of pulmonary tuberculosis in children.

Chylothorax is a rare clinical entity characterized by a milky white aspirate with increased triglyceride levels. The commonest aetiology is malignancy and trauma. Pulmonary tuberculosis is an extremely rare cause of chylothorax.

CT features of tuberculous intracranial abscesses in children.

Background: Intracranial tuberculous (TB) abscesses still cause a diagnostic dilemma on both CT and MRI as they may mimic neoplasms. Recognition of TB abscesses may prompt further imaging and appropriate trial of therapy, and may reduce the need for biopsy.

Objective: To report the CT features of eight intracranial TB lesions in children initially diagnosed as neoplasms and eventually treated as TB abscesses.

Localized basal meningeal enhancement in tuberculous meningitis.

Background: Focal basal meningeal enhancement may produce a confusing CT picture in children with suspected tuberculous meningitis (TBM).

Objective: To demonstrate the incidence, distribution and appearance of localized basal meningeal enhancement in children with TBM.

Materials And Methods: CT scans of patients with definite (culture proven) and probable (CSF suggestive) TBM were retrospectively evaluated by two observers.

Comparing axillary and mediastinal lymphadenopathy on CT in children with suspected pulmonary tuberculosis.

Background: Radiographic demonstration of mediastinal lymphadenopathy is important for the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). Plain radiographs are unreliable for this and CT, which is relatively more expensive and carries a high radiation burden, remains the gold standard. No studies correlating the presence of axillary with mediastinal lymphadenopathy have been reported.