J Korean Soc Radiol.  2016 Jun;74(6):407-411. 10.3348/jksr.2016.74.6.407.

A Fatal Case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus Infection in South Korea: Chest Radiography and CT Findings

• Lee SE
• Kim HL
• Choi SM

• KMID: 2164820
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3348/jksr.2016.74.6.407

Abstract

The outbreak of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus (MERS-CoV) infection in South Korea originated from Saudi Arabia. This virus shows high infectivity, and causes outbreaks of severe febrile respiratory infections in health care-associated settings. Herein, we reported a fatal case of MERS-CoV infection with a focus on the pulmonary radiologic findings. The initial chest computed tomography and radiographs of our patient showed ground-glass opacity in patchy distribution, followed by rapid progression of consolidation and pleural effusion in serial studies.

MeSH Terms

Coronavirus Infections*
Disease Outbreaks
Humans
Korea*
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus
Middle East*
Pleural Effusion
Pneumonia
Radiography*
Republic of Korea
Respiratory Tract Infections
Saudi Arabia
Thorax*

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 A 71-year-old man diagnosed with Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus. A. The initial chest radiograph shows an ill-defined increased opacity in the right upper lung field. B, C. Chest CT scans obtained on the same day as (A) demonstrate patchy ground-glass opacity and interlobular septal thickenings in the subpleural portion of right upper lobe (B). A small amount of bilateral pleural effusion is also noted (C). D. Follow-up chest radiographs obtained 2 days later reveal progression of consolidation in right upper lung field and newly developed, ill-defined, increased opacity in both lower lung fields. E, F. Follow-up chest CT scans obtained on the same day as (D) show markedly increased extent of consolidation and ground-glass opacity in the right upper lobe (E). Newly developed multifocal nodules in both lower lobes and increased amount of bilateral pleural effusion (F). G. A further follow-up chest radiograph 2 days later, shows aggravated multifocal consolidations in the right upper lung field and both lower lung fields.

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