Roentgenographic Follow-Up of Acute Pneumonia in Children

The need for follow-up roentgenograms documenting complete clearing of pulmonary infiltrates in the pediatric patient with acute pneumonia was studied prospectively. Seventy of 129 children enrolled in the study had a repeat roentgenogram within three to four weeks after initial diagnosis. Twenty percent of this group had residual pulmonary infiltrates. Of the two thirds of those who returned for a second follow-up roentgenogram, the infiltrates had cleared completely within three months. Routine repeat chest roentgenograms may not be necessary unless there is clinical evidence of persistent respiratory difficulty or failure to thrive.