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Radionuclide Imaging of Infection and Inflammation pp 271–288Cite as

Nuclear Medicine Imaging of Lung Infection

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Abstract

Lung infection, either it be chronic or acute, is referred to as an upper or lower respiratory tract infection caused by microorganisms like bacteria, virus, fungi or parasites. There are various causes of lung infections, a condition that causes discomfort and affects the day-to-day life of patients. If neglected, lung infections can become severely complicated [1]. Bronchitis is most commonly due to viruses rather than to bacteria, while the main causative agent of pneumonia (either it be community acquired or a nosocomial infection) is Streptococcus pneumoniae [2, 3]. Symptoms, treatment, preventive measures, and prognosis differ depending on the cause of infection (bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic), the type of infection (acquired in the community, hospital, or nursing home), and the patient’s status (immunocompetent or immunocompromised) [4]. The main signs and symptoms of lung infections are fever, shortness of breath, cough (dry or productive), fatigue (particularly in case of infection caused by Candida), production of mucus, tightness, pressure and pain in the chest that worsens when breathing in deeply or coughing. Moreover, in the case of infection due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) a concomitant skin or urinary infection may also be present [1].

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  1. Regional Center of Nuclear Medicine, University of Pisa and University Hospital, Pisa, Italy

    Giuliano Mariani

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  1. Martina Sollini
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  2. Giuliano Mariani
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Sollini, M., Mariani, G. (2013). Nuclear Medicine Imaging of Lung Infection. In: Radionuclide Imaging of Infection and Inflammation. Springer, Milano. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-88-470-2763-3_12

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