• Woon Jung Kwon, Yeon Joo Jeong, Kun-Il Kim, In Sook Lee, Ung Bae Jeon, Sun Hee Lee, and Young Dae Kim.
• Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Pusan National University Hospital, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Pusan, Korea.
• J Comput Assist Tomogr. 2007 May 1;31(3):390-4.

ObjectiveTo describe and compare the computed tomographic (CT) findings of pulmonary septic emboli in causative microorganisms.MethodsThe CT findings of 16 patients (8 men and 8 women; age range, 17 to 80 years; mean, 53.1 years) with documented pulmonary septic emboli were retrospectively reviewed by 2 radiologists; their decisions on the findings were reached by consensus. Statistical analysis was performed using the t test and the chi test.ResultsA total of 197 peripheral nodules were seen in 6 gram-positive (n = 88) and 10 gram-negative (n = 109) septic pulmonary emboli patients, respectively. The sizes of the nodules (15.94 mm; range, 3-46 mm) in gram-positive septic emboli were larger than those (12.29 mm; range, 4-44 mm) in gram-negative septic emboli (P = 0.006). Cavitation (n = 30 [34%] vs n = 23 [21%]; P = 0.041) and air bronchogram (n = 12 [14%] vs n = 4 [4%]; P = 0.008) within the nodules were more commonly seen in gram-positive septic emboli. A ground-glass attenuation halo around a nodule (n = 69 [63%] vs n = 32 [36%]; P = 0.000) and feeding vessel signs (n = 56 [51%] vs n = 25 [28%]; P = 0.001) were more commonly seen in gram-negative septic emboli. Wedge-shaped peripheral lesions abutting the pleura were seen in 4 gram-positive (67%) and in 1 gram-negative (10%) septic emboli patients, respectively (P = 0.047).ConclusionsThe detailed CT characteristics of peripheral nodules in pulmonary septic emboli may be able to differentiate the causative microorganisms and to provide additional information regarding treatment plans in patients with sepsis.

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