Question 1

does pneumonia always show up on a cat scan and an x-ray ?

Accepted Answer

Just about always: The short answer is yes.  Only in very rare circumstances will a pneumonia be invisible on both xray and CT scan.

Question 2

can a ct scan always show an atypical pneumonia?

Accepted Answer

Most of the time: Pneumonia is a clinical diagnosis. Xrays are usually 48 hrs behind the clinical manifestation of the disease. Diagnosis of atypical pneumonia, therefore is by clinic and could be confirmed by regular chest x ray and not ct scan. However ct scan is more detailed and more in line with clinical symptoms.
Shahzeidi, md.

Question 3

why would a ct scan of chest (dx reactive lymph nodes) be ordered ahead of time for 3 months after you had pneumonia? what are they looking for?

Accepted Answer

Document change: The likely reason for the follow up exam is to determine if the lymph nodes are stable or resolve. In addition, the ct can also confirm that the pneumonia that you had also resolves. If the pneumonia or lymph nodes you hard resolve, no further follow up will be necessary. If they are stable, they may need to be followed. If they increase in size, a biopsy might be needed to determine their cause.

Question 4

do atelectasis & pneumonia look similar on non contrast chest ct scan?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes there: May be some overlap in the CT appearance of pneumonia and atelectasis, other times there are signs that help tell the difference.  Keep in mind that elements of both could be present simultaneously.

Question 5

do pneumonia cause mediastinal lymph node enlargement? i had a non contrast ct scan in which only one lymph node measured 1.4 cm * 1.8 cm.

Accepted Answer

Possibly: Certain types of pneumonia can elicit mediastinal  adenopatchy, Lymph nodes can be seen in community acquired pneumonia, tuberculosis, histoplasmosis and ccoccidiodomycosis. Pneumonia with pleural effusion from bacterial origin can also have enlarged lymph nodes. Of course nodes can be seen with malignancies, sarcoidosis, and many noninfectious inflammatory granulomatous processes.

Question 6

is it safe for a 5 m/o baby to perform an x-ray + ct scan? after did 4 x-rays + 1 ct scan in a week. will it affect his metabolism? (pneumonia)

Accepted Answer

No: Will not affect his metabolism, but exposure to radiation can be cumulative and increase the risks of developing malignancy in later life.  Although it sounds as if these were necessary, try to limit future exposure to such imaging studies.

Question 7

had pneumonia three times in 10 months. had recent ct scan which showed density on lll of lung.  what could be the cause of the repetitious pneumonia?

Accepted Answer

Airway blockage: Seems likely that you have some structural issue of the airway that is preventing clearing of secretions and causing recurrent pneumonia. Could be something you aspirated, something causing compression like a lymph node, or some other type of abnormality. See a pulmonologist and or thoracic surgeon because three pneumonia a in 10 months is abnormal and worrisome.

Question 8

ct scan confirmed lower left lung has fluid. had pneumonia march 4. what will happen now?? i'm so scared

Accepted Answer

Mgt/workup: It is a commonly associated finding to have a collection of fluid around the lung in association with pneumonia. If you have been treated and feel well, the fluid will most likely resolve in a few weeks. 
If you are having symptoms, a follow up visit may include a chest radiograph.

Question 9

my father 56 year old had covid postive 10 days back and there was pneumonia in ct scan with score of 5/25, he is now covid negative, but on re scan of his thorax there is pneumonia. how much time it takes pneumonia to  recover?

Accepted Answer

Image lab resolution: Healthtap offers a virtual consultation and you may upload reports and images for a second opinion. 
The pneumonia may take weeks to resolve on the imaging study, and should be correlated to his clinical recovery and symptoms. Watch for signs of recurrent respiratory symptoms and fever. Follow up closely with your PCP.

Question 10

had a follow up ct scan for covid pneumonia , which cleared. a 3 mm subpleural nodule in the posterior aspect of the right lower lobe was found. im a 50 year old female, former smoker, quit 9 years ago, no other health concerns. what could this be?

Accepted Answer

: This could be an inflammatory nodule related to the pneumonia. The CT scan should be repeated in 3-4 months to be sure it is not getting bigger-hopefully it will resolve. If it does get bigger, a biopsy would be indicated. But, these often resolve over time. Congrats on quitting smoking and I’m glad you are feeling better from your Covid infection. Get a Covid vaccine when you are eligible.

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Doctor answers about:

Cat scan pneumonia

A member asked:

Does pneumonia always show up on a cat scan and an x-ray ?

A member asked:

Can a ct scan always show an atypical pneumonia?

A member asked:

Why would a ct scan of chest (dx reactive lymph nodes) be ordered ahead of time for 3 months after you had pneumonia? what are they looking for?

A member asked:

Do atelectasis & pneumonia look similar on non contrast chest ct scan?

A member asked:

Do pneumonia cause mediastinal lymph node enlargement? i had a non contrast ct scan in which only one lymph node measured 1.4 cm * 1.8 cm.

A member asked:

Is it safe for a 5 m/o baby to perform an x-ray + ct scan? after did 4 x-rays + 1 ct scan in a week. will it affect his metabolism? (pneumonia)

A member asked:

Had pneumonia three times in 10 months. had recent ct scan which showed density on lll of lung. what could be the cause of the repetitious pneumonia?

A member asked:

Ct scan confirmed lower left lung has fluid. had pneumonia march 4. what will happen now?? i'm so scared

A member asked:

My father 56 year old had covid postive 10 days back and there was pneumonia in ct scan with score of 5/25, he is now covid negative, but on re scan of his thorax there is pneumonia. how much time it takes pneumonia to recover?

A member asked:

Had a follow up ct scan for covid pneumonia , which cleared. a 3 mm subpleural nodule in the posterior aspect of the right lower lobe was found. im a 50 year old female, former smoker, quit 9 years ago, no other health concerns. what could this be?

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