Expert: Moshe Adler, MD - 3/20/2006

Question
My 22 month old had a chest x-ray at the hospital.  This is what the report said:

There are increased reticular markings in a perihilar distribution.  No focal consolidation is observed.  The cardiac silhouette is maintained.
Impression: Findings suggesting minimal perihilar infiltrate, clinical correlation requested.

What does that mean, please?

Answer
It indicates some thickening of the tissues of the lung, in the perihilar area, which is the area near the middle of the chest.  This is seen mostly with viral infections.  "Clinical correlation requested" means that the radiologist really can't make a diagnosis from the x-ray.  It's up to your baby's doctor to correlate the x-ray with clinical findings -- the baby's symptoms, and what was found on physical exam, to determine what is the cause, and if any treatment is needed.

What did the doctor say?

Moshe Adler, MD