Review of 54 cases of atypical pneumonia

Abstract

(1) Atypical pneumonia is relatively- common in the R.A.F., and a series of fifty -four cases are reviewed.(2) The cases can be subdivided according to severity. A number of typical cases from each group are described in detail, and the clinical features are compared with other descriptions.(3) The aetiology is probably analagous to that of influenzal pneumonia, in that any upper respiratory infection paves the way for invasion of the lung by pathogenic organisms.(4) The pathology is that of an acute tracheobronchitia, with secondary invasion causing a bron Ohio bopneumonia with small areas of lobular partial atele ctosis. This fundamental process may be present in all degrees of severity.(5) Atypical pneumonia of a more lobar distribution and affecting the right middle lobe, runs a prolonged course, is resistant to sulphapyridine, and has an increased risk of resultant fibrosis.with an Appendix on PHYSIOTHERAPEUTIC TECHNIQUE by Corporal J.H. Smith. R.A.F.