Pulmonary gangrene

Pulmonary gangrene can be a complication of necrotizing pneumonia and often represents a final stage in a continuum of progressive devitalisation of pulmonary parenchyma and is characterized by sloughing of a pulmonary segment or lobe.

Pathology

In most instances is occurs as a complication of necrotizing bacterial pneumonia but rarely can occur in other infections such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis .

Radiographic features

CT

Some publications suggest the evolution of a crescent or rim of air within homogeneous opacification as the feature that both heralds the development of pulmonary gangrene . The development of a "mass within cavity" is also a concerning feature.

Treatment and prognosis

Many patients may need to undergo surgical procedures to debride necrotic lung parenchyma. Dependent on the severity, surgical procedures include pneumectomy, lobectomy, or limited resection .