Necrotising pneumonia (NP) is a potentially severe complication of community-acquired pneumonia characterised by necrosis of consolidated lung tissue. A 7-year-old boy and a 6-year-old boy are presented, both of whom had a complicated influenza infection which evolved into severe NP caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. Both needed intensive care for invasive respiratory support. Despite extensive pleural involvement in both cases, only one required thoracic surgery. Case 1 also developed anaemia, hyponatraemia and hypo-albuminaemia, resulting in generalised oedema. Despite the severe morbidity, both boys made a full recovery. The diagnosis of NP should always be considered in a child with pneumonia who remains unwell despite 72 hours of appropriate antibiotics, particularly if there is evidence of pleural disease. Although S. pneumoniae is the main agent for NP, the influenza virus may be a precipitating factor.
Keywords: Streptococcus pneumoniae; Necrotising pneumonia; influenza virus infection.