ObjectiveTo explore the diagnosis and treatment of severe adenovirus pneumonia patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in a short time and reduce the complications after rehabilitation. MethodsThe clinical data, laboratory results, treatment process and imaging outcomes of three severe community-acquired adenovirus pneumonia patients with normal immune function were analyzed. ResultsAll the three patients developed ARDS in a very short time. In the early stage, alveolar lavage fluid obtained by fiberoptic bronchoscopy was taken for macrogenomic second-generation sequencing (mNGS), adenovirus was detected and antiviral drugs were immediately used. The first two patients received cidofovir antiviral therapy and the third patient received ribavirin antiviral therapy. All three patients received very high respiratory support, of which the first two received extracorporeal membrane oxygenation treatment. The lungs of all three patients recovered well after treatment. ConclusionsThe diagnosis and treatment of severe adenovirus pneumonia is still based on individualized symptomatic support, immune regulation and treatment of complications. mNGS can help diagnose and direct treatment of adenovirus pneumonia as early as possible, which is beneficial to reduce complications and improve survival rate.