The radiological aspects of chest complication in childhood measles.

Chest radiographs of 335 Nigerian children presenting with pulmonary and cardiac complications of measles were studied systematically. Perihilar (88%) and diffuse (69%) pulmonary infiltrates were the commonest findings. Other abnormalities included segmental consolidation (34%), emphysema (20%), cardiomegaly (12%) and atelectasis (10%). Pneumothorax and pleural effusion were seen in 24 (7%) and 14 (4%) children respectively. Eight children (2.5%) had subcutaneous and mediastinal emphysema. In patients with atelectasis and segmental consolidation there was a striking preponderance of right sided lesions.