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Congress: ECR25
Poster Number: C-25175
Type: Poster: EPOS Radiologist (scientific)
Authorblock: E. Meherwal, P. C. P. Joshi; Pune/IN
Disclosures:
Esha Meherwal: Nothing to disclose
Priscilla Col Priscilla Joshi: Nothing to disclose
Keywords: Haematologic, Paediatric, Thorax, Conventional radiography, CT, MR, Biopsy, Haematologic diseases, Infection, Leukaemia
Purpose Highlight the critical role of radiology in diagnosing opportunistic infections in paediatric leukaemia patients. Demonstrate how early imaging, when correlated with microbiological data, enhances diagnostic accuracy. Emphasise the sustainability benefits of resource optimisation and improved patient survival.
Read more Methods and materials Background: Paediatric leukaemia, the most prevalent childhood cancer, compromises immune defences, leaving patients vulnerable to opportunistic infections, especially invasive fungal diseases (IFDs). Mortality rates from IFDs remain alarmingly high due to challenges in early diagnosis. Symptoms such as fever and respiratory distress are often non-specific, delaying treatment. Traditional microbiological methods, though definitive, often delay diagnosis, increasing the risk of complications. Imaging—chest X-rays, CT chest, and CT PNS—provides rapid, non-invasive insights, often preceding microbiological confirmation. Hallmark findings like nodular opacities, ground-glass changes, and sinus...
Read more Results Pathogen Distribution: Aspergillosis was identified in 67% of cases, with mixed infections (33%) including fungal and bacterial pathogens. Emerging pathogens, such as Scedosporium, added complexity to treatment approaches. [fig 18] Diagnostic Concordance: Imaging findings demonstrated an 88% match with microbiological results, often preceding lab confirmation. Clinical Impact: Early imaging enabled timely antifungal and antibiotic interventions, reducing unnecessary treatments. Outcomes improved significantly due to prompt, targeted therapy, optimizing resource utilization.
Read more Conclusion Radiology serves as an indispensable tool in the early detection of life-threatening infections in immunocompromised paediatric patients. Integrating imaging and microbiological data not only enhances diagnostic accuracy but also supports sustainable healthcare practices by reducing resource wastage. Timely radiological evaluation isn’t just a diagnostic tool—it’s the first step toward life-saving interventions.  This approach optimises resource utilisation, avoids unnecessary interventions, and underscores the critical role of imaging in paediatric oncology care. [fig 1]  
Read more References [1] Bhatt VR, Viola GM, Ferrajoli A. Invasive fungal infections in acute leukaemia. Ther Adv Hematol. 2011 Aug;2(4):231-47. doi: 10.1177/2040620711410098. PMID: 23556092; PMCID: PMC3573411.[2]Azoulay E, Russell L, Van de Louw A, Metaxa V, Bauer P, Povoa P, Montero JG, Loeches IM, Mehta S, Puxty K, Schellongowski P, Rello J, Mokart D, Lemiale V, Mirouse A; Nine-i Investigators. Diagnosis of severe respiratory infections in immunocompromised patients. Intensive Care Med. 2020 Feb;46(2):298-314. doi: 10.1007/s00134-019-05906-5. Epub 2020 Feb 7. PMID: 32034433; PMCID: PMC7080052.[3]Siopi...
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