Chest radiographic pattern is most typical for Mycoplasma pneumonia?

Chest radiographic pattern is most typical for Mycoplasma pneumonia?

• A. Lobar consolidation
• B. Bilateral perihilar interstitial infiltrates
• C. Pleural effusion
• D. Cavitation

Answer: (B)

Mycoplasma pneumoniae classically causes an atypical, diffuse inflammatory pattern rather than a single dense lobar collapse. On chest radiographs, this typically appears as bilateral perihilar interstitial infiltrates or peribronchial thickening, often with a patchy, diffuse look. This reflects inflammation of the interstitium and bronchioles more than alveolar air-space filling. Therefore, the most typical radiographic description is bilateral perihilar interstitial infiltrates. Lobar consolidation is more characteristic of classic bacterial pneumonia like Streptococcus pneumoniae, pleural effusion is uncommon and usually small in Mycoplasma cases, and cavitation is not a feature.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae classically causes an atypical, diffuse inflammatory pattern rather than a single dense lobar collapse. On chest radiographs, this typically appears as bilateral perihilar interstitial infiltrates or peribronchial thickening, often with a patchy, diffuse look. This reflects inflammation of the interstitium and bronchioles more than alveolar air-space filling. Therefore, the most typical radiographic description is bilateral perihilar interstitial infiltrates.

Lobar consolidation is more characteristic of classic bacterial pneumonia like Streptococcus pneumoniae, pleural effusion is uncommon and usually small in Mycoplasma cases, and cavitation is not a feature.