Pulmonary function in children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia.

Nine children between the ages of seven to 12 were studied. All of these children had an acute unilateral pneumonia caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Regional pulmonary function studies were performed with the aid of an Xe133 radio-spirometry. It was shown with this technique that the ventilation of the infected part was more reduced than the perfusion during the acute stage. Fourteen to 22 days after the onset of the disease three children had normal chest X-rays but abnormalities of the pulmonary function tests. In one child this abnormal function persisted at the third follow-up some months later. By the use of regional pulmonary function studies subtle abnormalities can be observed which would normally be overlooked when examining the pulmonary function of both lungs.