CT Findings of Necrotizing Pneumonia

ABSTRACT

Necrotizing pneumonia causes necrosis of pulmonary parenchyma and may lead to pulmonary gangrene. Prior to theantibiotic era, extensive pulmonary involvement was potentially fatal, but the incidence of necrotizing pneumoniais now less common. On contrast-enhanced CT scans, consolidation with contrast enhancement containing necroticfoci with low attenuation and cavities is characteristic. Radiologic findings do not differ according to thecausative organism and in most of cases, specific diagnosis may be impossible. Clinical findings and certaincharacteristic radiologic findings may be helpful for narrowing the differential diagnosis. We illustrate theclinical and radiologic characteristics of necrotizing pneumonia according to causative bacterial organisms.