Clinical diagnosis, treatment, and medical identification of specific pulmonary infection in naval pilots: Four case reports

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Specific pulmonary infection could seriously threaten the health of pilots and their companions. The consequences are serious. We investigated the clinical diagnosis, treatment, and medical identification of specific pulmonary infections in naval pilots.

CASE SUMMARY

We analyzed the medical waiver and clinical data of four pilots with specific pulmonary infections, who had accepted treatment at the Naval Medical Center of Chinese People’s Liberation Army between January 2020 and November 2021, including three cases of tuberculosis and one of cryptococcal pneumonia. All cases underwent a series of comprehensive treatment courses. Three cases successfully obtained medical waiver for flight after being cured, while one was grounded after reaching the maximum flight life after being cured.

CONCLUSION

Chest computed tomography scanning should be used instead of chest radiography in pilots’ physical examination. Most pilots with specific pulmonary infection can be cured and return to flight.

Keywords: Cryptococcal pneumonia; Tuberculosis; Diagnosis; Treatment; Medical identification; Pilot; Pulmonary infection; Case report

Core tip: Pilots are mostly young without underlying medical conditions; thus, the rate of lung infection is low. Lack of characteristic clinical manifestations of specific pulmonary infection can lead to misdiagnosis and delay treatment. Specific lung infection aggravates pilots’ health, and causes spread of pathogens in air forces. Chest computed tomography (CT) should be used instead of radiography for annual physical examination. When pilots are diagnosed with specific lung infection, related tests and CT should be used to screen the same camp to prevent further infections. After active treatment, most pilots with specific pulmonary infection can be cured and return to flight.