Necrotizing pneumococcal pneumonia in childhood

We describe the rare complication of necrotizing pneumonia and invasive pneumococcal infection in 3 previously healthy pediatric patients. Lobar consolidation and pleural effusions appeared initially, followed within several clays by the appearance of multiple small lucencies in the area of consolidation. In one case, necrosis progressed to a large abscess cavity. Surgical intervention was limited to treatment of pleural space complications. There were no deaths. Pulmonary parenchymal residual was limited to a thin-walled cavity in one case. (C) 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.