Varicella Pneumonia: Classic Imaging Features on Chest Radiography

Varicella pneumonia typically manifests as diffuse, bilateral 5-10 mm ill-defined nodular opacities on chest radiographs. Nodules may coalesce and often resolve after clinical improvement, but can calcify, leaving numerous well-defined 2-3 mm calcified nodules primarily in the l…

• This is an educational case review from LearningRadiology illustrating classic radiographic findings of varicella (chickenpox) pneumonia.
• In adults, varicella pneumonia is the most common severe complication, with lung involvement more prevalent in immunocompromised and pregnant patients.
• The finding of innumerable calcified pulmonary nodules can be a permanent sequela of prior varicella pneumonia, recognizable on future imaging.

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