Necrotizing pneumonia with bronchopleural fistula as an uncommon complication of pneumonia in children: a case report

Necrotizing pneumonia is an uncommon but severe complication of community acquired pneumonia characterized by the development of necrosis, liquefaction, and cavitation of the lung parenchyma. It occurs infrequently in children, ranging from 0.8% to 7% of community acquired pneumonia cases. We reported a case of 28-month-old female infant with a history of severe dyspnea and fever 5 days before admission. After administration of appropriate antibiotics for pneumonia, the patient's condition was still unresolved. Then, contrast CT scan showed cavitary lesions within consolidated lungs with loss of volume and lack of contrast enhancement that confirmed the diagnosis as necrotizing pneumonia. The presence of pneumothorax in the patient depicts a possible bronchopleural fistula which significantly increase morbidity and mortality risk. Surgical management could not be implemented due to worsening condition of the patient. It is suggested that patients with suspicion of necrotizing pneumonia are subjected to chest CT scan to avoid delay in diagnosis and appropriate management.