Extract
Pneumonia is a common disease worldwide and an important cause of morbidity and mortality in the elderly. However, if treated correctly and in a timely manner the prognosis is good. Therefore, a prompt diagnosis of pneumonia is imperative. It is known that chest radiograph interpretation has a high interobserver variability and both under- and overdiagnosis can occur [1]. Withholding antibiotics in a patient with a pneumonia increases the risk of morbidity and mortality. However, initiating antimicrobial treatment in a patient without a pneumonia is associated with potential adverse effects and can lead to antibiotic resistance. Hence, pneumonia is a straightforward diagnosis in the majority of cases, but there still is diagnostic uncertainty in a number of patients, especially among the elderly [2].
Abstract
Overdiagnosis, as well as (to a lesser extent) underdiagnosis, of pneumonia on chest radiographs is common. Low-dose CT chest can potentially be helpful, especially in cases of intermediate probability of pneumonia on chest radiography. http://ow.ly/265z30n1Mox
Footnotes
Conflict of interest: F. Mohamed Hoesein has nothing to disclose.
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