Necrotizing pneumonias

Question 1

What differentiates necrotizing pneumonia from other pneumonias (acute, sub-acute, chronic)?

Answer 1

permanent lung damage

Question 2

what is the class of agents most likely to cause necrotizing pneumonia?

Answer 2

anaerobes

Question 3

if a patient has consolidation with NO cavitation but S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, K. pneumoniae, MTB, or fungi are known as the cause, what is the next step?

Answer 3

treat aggresively to prevent cavitation

Question 4

what is absolutely needed to confirm a diagnosis of necrotizing pneumonia?

Answer 4

cavitation on CXR

Question 5

What type (CAP, HAP, HCA-P) of pneumonias is most likely to be associated with necrotizing pneumonia?

Answer 5

HAP and HCA-P

Question 6

what type of pneumonia (typical, atypical, chronic) does necrotizing pneumonia first manifest as (usually)?

Answer 6

typical pneumonia

Question 7

What are the three things to do once necrotizing pneumonia is suspected in the pt’s history/

Answer 7

1. gram stain, sputum/blood cultures
2. Abx sensitivity tests
3. CXR/CT scan for abscess/cavitation