[A clinical analysis of 31 cases with pulmonary damage caused by scrub typhus].

OBJECTIVE

To deepen the understanding of pulmonary damage caused by scrub typhus.

METHODS

31 cases of pulmonary damage caused by scrub typhus from 1993 to 1998 were reviewed with chest radiographs, chest B-ultrasound, etc.

RESULTS

44% cases with scrub typhus showed a pulmonary damage (31/70), in which 66% (20/31) had cough, 53% (16-31) had sputum, 53% (16/31) had rales and the most symptoms were mild. Chest X-rays: 45% (14/31) showed pulmonary interstitial lesion, 53%(16/31) pulmonary effusion lesion and 8 cases pleural lesion. 26% (8/31) of pleural effusion was confirmed by chest B-ultrasound. Respiratory failure was found in 5 cases. All cases were treated with chloramphenicol and(or) doxycyclinum and made a good recovery.

CONCLUSION

The pulmonary damage caused by scrub typhus should be paid more attention to for avoiding misdiagnosis.