[Analysis of 37 cases of pneumonia of Legionnaires' disease].

OBJECTIVE

To heighten our awareness of pneumonia of Legionnaires' disease (LP).

METHODS

37 cases of LP were reviewed.

RESULTS

Besides the characteristics of pneumonia, extrapulmonary manifestations, including gastrointestinal, hepatic, renal and neurologic abnormalities, occurred in 35% of the patients, pleural effusion was more common (40%), 38% and 17% of the patients showed hyponatremia and pulmonary abscess respectively. Roentgenographic changes appeared to last longer and resoluted later than the clinical improvement occurred.

CONCLUSION

Erythromycin shows good effects in treating LP.