[Necrotizing pneumonia in children: apropos of 4 cases].

Objectives: To describe the necrotizing pneumonia in children, a severe affection which prevalence seems to increase; to review literature.

Patients And Methods: We report 4 cases of necrotizing pneumonia: symptoms, agents, diagnostic tools, treatment and long term evolution.

Results: In 2 cases, pneumatoceles could be seen at chest X-ray. Two patients presented a deficiency of anti-pneumococcal antibodies. Three needed insertion of a pleural chest tube of whom 1 had a resection of a small piece of necrotic lung. Duration of hospitalisation is longer than in uncomplicated pneumonias.

Conclusion: Necrotizing pneumonia is a severe affection. Diagnosis has to be made by lung CT. Long term evolution is excellent in pediatric population with serious management at hospital.