Septic Pulmonary Embolism

Septic Pulmonary Embolism Secondary to Klebsiella Pneumonia Perianal Abscesses: A Case Report

Septic pulmonary embolism (SPE) represents the occurrence of septic thrombi in circulation, originating from an extrapulmonary infectious source. Perianal and perirectal abscesses are frequently encountered anorectal issues, often stemming from obstructed anal crypt glands, resulting in pus accumulation within the subcutaneous tissue and intersphincteric plane. Timely surgical drainage is essential upon diagnosis of anorectal abscesses. Adult males exhibit a twofold higher incidence of anorectal abscesses and fistulae compared to females, with common symptoms including excruciating anal or rectal pain. This case report details the presentation and management of a 42-year-old male patient afflicted by Klebsiella pneumonia perianal abscesses that led to SPE. The report underscores the importance of recognizing and treating anorectal abscesses promptly to avert potentially life-threatening complications such as sepsis and fistulae.

Septic Pulmonary Embolism: A Contemporary Profile

Septic pulmonary embolism (SPE) is a rare clinical entity that is distinct from the classic and more common non-septic thrombotic pulmonary embolism. SPE should be suspected in patients with a systemic acute inflammatory reaction or sepsis who develop signs and symptoms of pulmonary involvement. The diagnosis of SPE depends on the specific radiologic finding of multiple, peripheral, nodular, possibly cavitated lesions. SPE should prompt an immediate search for the primary source of infection; typically, right-sided infective endocarditis, cardiac implantable electronic devices, and septic thrombophlebitis as a complication of bone, skin, and soft tissue infection including Lemierre's syndrome, indwelling catheters, or direct inoculation via injection drug use. Invasive treatment of the infection source may be necessary; in thrombophlebitis, the efficacy and safety of anticoagulation remain undefined. Blood cultures may be negative, particularly among patients with recent antibiotic exposure, and broad-spectrum antimicrobial therapy should be considered. The in-hospital mortality of SPE ranges up to 20% in published case series. While trends in the incidence of SPE are unknown, the opioid epidemic, the growing use of cardiac implantable electronic devices worldwide, and the reported increase in cases of septic thrombophlebitis may be leading to an escalation in SPE cases. We provide a contemporary profile of SPE and propose a clinical management algorithm in patients with suspected or confirmed SPE.

Fulminant ruptured septic aneurysm complicating the catheter related blood stream infection in a patient on maintenance hemodialysis: A case report

Metastatic infections can complicate catheter-related blood stream infections (CRBSI) in dialysis dependent patients. However, an infected/septic aneurysm involving the aorta or its branches as a direct complication of CRBSI without an underlying infective endocarditis is not reported so far in the literature. We report a 43-year female, who presented with CRBSI 2 weeks following a tunneled dialysis catheter (TDC) insertion. Due to the lack of defervescence after 72 h of antibiotics given as per the culture sensitivity reports, the TDC was removed. Blood cultures grew Pseudomonas aeruginosa. After a catheter free interval of 4 days, a TDC was reinserted, an antibiotic course was completed, and she was discharged in stable condition. Five days later, she presented with acute abdominal pain and fever. A tender, firm, and pulsatile mass was noted in the hypogastrium with a bruit. Contrast-enhanced CT revealed a pseudoaneurysm of the aorta, and left common iliac artery at the site of origin. She was started on IV antibiotics and planned for an endovascular prosthesis but had a sudden collapse during her hospital stay due to a ruptured aneurysm. CRBSI due to certain pathogens such as Pseudomonas might require prolonged and dual antibiotic therapy to prevent fulminant complications.

A Pediatric Case of Septic Pulmonary Embolism Caused by Tsukamurella paurometabola

We herein report a three-year-old boy with septic pulmonary embolism caused by Tsukamurella paurometabola bacteremia during chemotherapy for rhabdomyosarcoma. During the interval of chemotherapy, the patient was temporarily discharged with a peripherally inserted central venous catheter but was re-admitted to the hospital with a fever on the same day. A blood culture taken at the time of re-admission showed T. paurometabola. The patient had a persistent fever, and computed tomography performed on the ninth day showed septic pulmonary embolism. We stress the importance of being aware of the possibility of septic pulmonary embolism in patients with Tsukamurella bacteremia.

Baseline characteristics and analysis of predictors of the Outcome of septic pulmonary embolism in children: a retrospective observational study

BACKGROUND

Septic pulmonary embolism is a rare disease in children. We aimed to assess the clinical, microbiological, and radiological characteristics and outcomes of pediatric septic pulmonary embolism (SPE) and to identify any predictive factors for in-hospital mortality in patients with this unusual disease to enhance prognosis and treatment.

METHODS

A retrospective study to search the electronic medical records of children admitted to the pediatric pulmonology unit, Tanta University hospital with the diagnosis of SPE between January 2015 and June 2022.

RESULTS

Seventeen pediatric patients were identified; ten males and seven females with a mean age of 9.4 ± 5.2 years. The most common presenting complaints were fever and shortness of breath (n = 17) followed by chest pain (n = 9), pallor (n = 5), limb swelling (n = 4), and back pain (n = 1). Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was the most common causative pathogen in nine patients. The most common extra-pulmonary septic foci were septic arthritis in five patients (29.4%), septic thrombophlebitis in four patients (23.5%), and infective endocarditis in two patients (11.8%). All patients exhibited wedge-shaped peripheral lesions and feeding vessel sign in CT chest, whereas bilateral diffuse lesions, nodular lesions, and cavitation were present in 94.1% of patients, pleural effusion was identified in 58.8% of patients, and pneumothorax was detected in 41.2% of patients. Fifteen patients improved and survived (88.2%), while two patients died (11.8%).

CONCLUSION

Early diagnosis of SPE with vigorous early therapy is critical for a better outcome, including appropriate antibiotics and timely surgical interference to eradicate extra-pulmonary septic foci.

Is periodontal infection a risk factor for thromboembolic disease? A systematic review

Background

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a rising major health problem comprising pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep vein thrombosis. It is of concern due to premature mortality, increased morbidity, and associated healthcare costs and hospitalization. Periodontitis can increase the risk of VTE by way of systemic inflammation induced by infection that can contribute to hypercoagulability and platelet aggregation. This systematic review aims to synthesize all the evidence concerning periodontal infection as a risk factor for thromboembolic disease.

Materials and Methods

A search for articles published from 1967 till December 2020 was conducted in the PubMed (MEDLINE), Scopus, and EMBASE data bases.

Results

Five hundred and five articles were retrieved after running search strategies in PubMed, Scopus, and EMBASE search databases. Based on the inclusion criteria, three clinical studies, two case series, and ten case reports were included for qualitative analysis. The presence of periodontal disease was reported to influence the occurrence of venous thromboembolic disease with a statistical significance of <0.010. Case series and case reports of septic PE due to periodontal disease showed complete resolution of lung lesions and subsiding of symptoms after dental treatment and antimicrobial therapy.

Conclusions

The results of this systematic review suggested for an association between periodontal disease and the incidence of thromboembolic disease. As most of the included/available studies are case series and case reports, the strength of evidence is weak. Evidence generated from well-designed longitudinal controlled clinical trials may be helpful to further assess the strength of the association.

Diagnosis of the right atrial myxoma after treatment of COVID-19: A case report

Key Clinical Message

Atrial myxoma is a rare disease but has a broad clinical presentation and complication that involves several systems- heart, lungs, brain, and systemic. An interdisciplinary approach is very important to optimize the outcome in patients with atrial myxomas. A thorough examination by primary care providers is crucial. Then radiologists or cardiologists can help with imaging modalities that can help diagnose and characterize the tumor. Prior to surgical resection by cardiothoracic surgeons, patients need to be evaluated by pulmonologists, cardiologists, and anesthesiologists for preoperative risk stratifications. In patients with neurological complications, pulmonary complications, or infectious endocarditis, input from neurologists, hematologists, infectious disease specialists is essential for patient care. In case antiplatelet/anticoagulation therapy or antibiotic treatment is warranted, pharmacists can provide valuable recommendations.

Abstract

Myxoma is the most common benign cardiac primary tumor, occurring in the right atrium in only 15%-20% of cases. This disease is asymptomatic initially depending upon size of the tumor, and symptoms develop as the tumor spreads. Atrial myxomas are associated with a triad of complications, including obstruction, emboli, and constitutional symptoms (such as fever and weight loss). This regard, embolization of the pulmonary circulation system is a complication of right myxoma. The patient was a 40-year-old male who presented to the emergency department complaining of fever and confusion. He had been previously hospitalized due to COVID-19 and treated with Remdesivir and plasmapheresis. He had tachycardia, tachypnea, thrombocytopenia, and increased liver enzymes. Chest imaging showed nodular lesions with necrotic areas and cavitary lesions in both lungs and the right atrium infected clot was seen in echocardiography. He was treated with intravenous antibiotics and finally underwent heart surgery due to the diagnosis of pulmonary septic embolism. The patient was finally diagnosed with right atrial myxoma according to heart mass histopathology. It is worth noting that the patient's thrombosis had already developed on the right atrial myxoma, which delayed the diagnosis in this patient. This thrombus formation was due to the hypercoagulability state of COVID-19 and following the insertion of a central venous catheter to perform plasmapheresis as a complication of treatment. Special attention should be paid to thromboprophylaxis and the early diagnosis of intravascular and intracardiac thrombosis in COVID-19 patients. Furthermore, the use of imaging modalities is recommended to differentiate thrombus from myxoma.

A Case of Septic Pulmonary Embolism Caused by Pyelonephritis With Klebsiella pneumoniae in a Patient With Poorly Controlled Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Septic pulmonary embolism (SPE) is caused by the microbe that is responsible for any clinical condition that may include urinary tract infections as in this case. We report a case of pyelonephritis with Klebsiella pneumoniae that led to SPE in an 80-year-old woman with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus (DM). Computed tomography (CT) revealed multiple nodules in the peripheral area of the bilateral lung and a contrast defect in the right renal vein, which was suspected to be an embolism. Blood and urine cultures revealed Klebsiella pneumoniae infection. These results confirmed the diagnosis of pyelonephritis and SPE. Treatment with ceftriaxone, cefazolin, and ciprofloxacin improved the patient's condition.

Dialysis catheter-related sepsis resulted in infective endocarditis, septic pulmonary embolism and acute inferolateral STEMI: a case report

Background

Embolic myocardial infarction is an uncommon but increasingly recognized complication of infective endocarditis (IE). Although the incidence is low and ranges from 1% to 10%, the mortality rate is high (64%). The characteristics of septic embolism on presentation are nonspecific and usually are unrecognized by clinicians. This case report aims to build a high index of suspicion among clinicians for IE presenting with the complication of embolic myocardial infarction especially in patients with indwelling venous catheters.

Case Summary

A 62-year-old woman with end-stage renal disease on haemodialysis presented with shortness of breath and desaturation. Her history was significant for end-stage renal disease managed with regular haemodialysis by a right-sided double-lumen tunnelled catheter. An initial diagnosis was made of pulmonary embolism, and management with intravenous heparin was initiated. She subsequently developed inferolateral ST-elevation myocardial infarction, and treatment with percutaneous coronary intervention to the posterior descending artery failed. Then, the patient developed complete heart block, aortic valve vegetation, acute severe aortic regurgitation, and shock.

Discussion

Acute coronary syndrome is usually an early and uncommon complication of IE and the risk of embolism decreases after antibiotic therapy is initiated. Due to the low incidence of coronary events in IE, only case reports have been published. Most patients with septic pulmonary embolism have a presentation similar to that for pneumonia. The diagnosis is therefore often delayed, which consequently influences prognosis. Our case report presents an example of IE-related multiple systemic embolization with poor patient outcome due to delayed diagnosis.

Fungal Endocarditis With Severe Vegetations of the Aortic Valve and Septic Emboli Secondary to Total Parenteral Nutrition

Fungal endocarditis is a rare but serious complication of fungemia. It is most commonly caused by Candida species. Risk factors include prosthetic heart valves, injection drug use, and indwelling central venous catheters. In comparison to bacterial endocarditis, fungal endocarditis is more commonly associated with arterial embolization, likely due to the larger size of vegetations. Unfortunately, diagnosis is often delayed, contributing to significant morbidity and mortality. Relapses are common, and extended treatment is often warranted. Antifungal agents and valve replacement are the recommended treatments. However, in-hospital mortality remains at 36%. For these reasons, it is critical to have a high index of suspicion and not delay appropriate therapy.

Computed tomography findings in septic pulmonary embolism: A case report and literature review

This case report describes the findings of septic pulmonary embolism (SPE) in a young adult male with a history of intravenous drug use who initially presented with signs and symptoms of acute sepsis. The patient underwent evaluation by computed tomography (CT) imaging as well as blood cultures and echocardiography, which confirmed the diagnosis of SPE secondary to Staphylococcus aureus positive bacterial endocarditis. In this case report, we discuss the presentation and characteristic CT imaging findings of SPE as well as highlight the value of this imaging modality in the timely diagnosis and management of this urgent condition.

A Case Report and Review of the Literature: Infectious Aneurysm Formation in the Pulmonary Arteries-A Rare but Perilous Sequela of Persisting Infection With Klebsiella pneumoniae

Septic aneurysms of the pulmonary artery are rare conditions, with few cases having been reported worldwide. They are assumed to result from septic emboli that cause a local inflammatory reaction of the arterial wall, ultimately leading to degenerative changes. We report the case of a 63-year-old female patient presenting with Klebsiella pneumoniae urosepsis and first diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, who developed a life-threatening infectious pulmonary artery aneurysm secondary to bacteremia with Klebsiella pneumoniae. The patient required a lobectomy due to pulmonary hemorrhage. We review the clinical hallmarks of Klebsiella pneumoniae related septic pulmonary embolic disease and summarize currently known risk factors for the development of infectious aneurysmatic disease including diabetes mellitus and other states of immunosuppression. The featured case aims to increase the awareness for this seldom but life-threatening complication of infectious diseases such as Klebsiella pneumoniae urosepsis.

Presenting Clinicoradiological Features, Microbiological Spectrum and Outcomes Among Patients with Septic Pulmonary Embolism: A Three-Year Retrospective Observational Study

Background

Septic pulmonary embolism (SPE) is an unusual condition characterized by the implantation of infected thrombi into the pulmonary vasculature from a variety of infectious sources. This study aimed to illustrate the clinicoradiological features, microbiological spectrum, and clinical course of patients with SPE, as well as to promote the early identification, diagnosis, and prognosis of this unusual disease.

Methods

Nineteen patients with SPE collected from the electronic medical records of our hospital were retrospectively reviewed during three years.

Results

The study included twelve men and seven women with a mean age of 49 (15–78). The most common presenting features were fever (79%) and shortness of breath (73.7%). Chronic kidney disease (68.4%) and diabetes (36.8%) were the most common comorbidities. The most common source of infection was venous catheters (58%). Staphylococcus aureus was the most predominant pathogen in about 52.6% of the cases. According to the CT findings, bilateral opacities were detected in all cases, flowing by nodular in 73.9% and cavitations in 57.9%. Central distributions were the most patterns regarding the location of the lesion seen in 47.4% of the patients. All patients received antimicrobial treatment, while 13 cases administered systemic anticoagulant. Most of the patients (73.7%) recovered from their illness, while 26.3% died. The median duration of hospitalization was 11.5 days. Oxygen saturation level and altered mental status were significantly associated with the mortality rate of SPE patients.

Conclusion

The study’s findings presented that altered mental status and low oxygen saturation are associated with a high mortality rate in SPE patients, especially those requiring critical care. Early diagnosis of an embolic phenomenon to other organ systems like the central nervous system can greatly influence the patient’s outcome.

Native pulmonary valve endocarditis requiring pulmonary valve replacement in adulthood: a case series

Native pulmonary valve endocarditis is a rare phenomenon as native valve endocarditis tends to typically affect the left sided heart valves. However, the right-sided heart valves can be affected in patients with a history of intravenous drug use, whereby the tricuspid valve is most commonly affected. We present two cases who were diagnosed with native pulmonary valve endocarditis in the absence of congenital heart disease. In the first case, the native pulmonary valve endocarditis was probably a derivative of compounding factors of an enlarged underlying pulmonary artery and staphylococcal bacteraemia. In the second case, a common causal organism of native valve endocarditis following dental treatment and the resultant echocardiography findings was of significant interest. In summary, native pulmonary valve endocarditis is relatively rare complication in the adult population, especially in the absence of congenital heart disease.

The Incidence of Septic Pulmonary Embolism in Patients with Klebsiella pneumoniae Liver Abscess: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background: Septic pulmonary embolism (SPE) is an associated complication of Klebsiella pneumoniae liver abscess (KPLA). However, previous studies have reported that its incidence varies widely. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the incidence of SPE in patients with KPLA. We further analyzed their clinical and computed tomography (CT) features. Methods: Two researchers reviewed PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases to identify the articles that reported SPE in patients with KPLA. The search was conducted from the date of establishment of each database up to January 2021. After screening the articles and extracting the data, we used Review Manager 5.3 for analysis and processing. Results: We selected six articles that included 1,158 patients with KPLA. Of these, 70 patients had SPE. The pooled incidence of SPE was 6% (95% confidence interval, 3%–9%). Among patients with SPE, 85% were men, 72% had diabetes, and 52% displayed the feeding vessel sign on the chest CT. The mortality rate was 12%. Quality assessment revealed that half of the included studies had a high quality. Conclusion: The pooled incidence of SPE in patients with KPLA was 6%. Men and patients with diabetes were more prone to SPE. For patients with KPLA who had SPE as an associated complication, the mortality rate was approximately 12%.

Isolated Sub-Pulmonic Valve Endocarditis in a Patient With a History of Konno Procedure and Mechanical Aortic Valve

Pulmonic and sub-pulmonic valve endocarditis are rarely encountered in clinical practice. We present the first case of isolated sub-pulmonic endocarditis. A 30-year-old man with a history of mechanical aortic valve presented to the emergency department with multiple complaints including nausea, vomiting, body aches, and fevers. The patient underwent surgical resection for sub-aortic stenosis followed by a modified Konno procedure later in life. A modified basal short-axis view on the trans-thoracic echocardiogram revealed a sub-pulmonic mobile structure highly suggestive of infective endocarditis. Blood cultures grew methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus within 24 hours. Higher oxygen demand prompted chest imaging, chest CT showed the development of bilateral airspace consolidation, suggestive of pneumonia. After treatment with extended intravenous antibiotics, follow-up echocardiogram four months later showed no identifiable sub-pulmonic vegetation.

This case describes a situation where clinicians may suspect infective endocarditis in a typical location such as a mechanical aortic valve. However, in patients who develop pneumonia, infective endocarditis of the right heart should be suspected. The pulmonic valve and sub-pulmonic ridge are often difficult to image given their anatomical location, a modified basal short-axis view on trans-thoracic echocardiogram can better image these structures.

Septic discitis and septic pulmonary emboli: rare complications of Proteus mirabilis urinary tract infection

Proteus mirabilis is a gram-negative bacterium frequently considered a pathogen of the urinary tract. Septic discitis and septic pulmonary emboli resulting from P. mirabilis urosepsis is a rare phenomenon. We report a 39-year-old woman who was admitted to our hospital with a complicated urinary tract infection resulting in bacteraemia, septic discitis, paraspinal abscesses and septic emboli. She was treated with a prolonged course of intravenous antibiotics resulting in the clinical resolution of her symptoms. Based on our PubMed search of the English literature, this is only the second reported case of septic discitis caused by P. mirabilis This paper illustrates that physicians should include septic discitis caused by P. mirabilis as a possible aetiology of low back pain in patients with active or recently treated urinary tract infection. Additionally, this article discusses the pathogenesis and other complications resulting from P. mirabilis bacteraemia.

Pitfalls in interpretation of FDG PET/CT: Septic pulmonary emboli mimicking metastases in a case of gastric carcinoma

Inflammatory lesions may sometimes show intense tracer uptake and mimic neoplastic lesions on (18) F-fluoro-deoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT). We report one such false positive case on FDG PET/CT, where septic pulmonary emboli (SPE) mimicked pulmonary metastases. A 45-year-old man with stomach cancer had an indwelling central venous catheter (CVC) in situ while on neoadjuvant chemotherapy. He underwent FDG PET/CT scan for response assessment and the images revealed multiple, intensely FDG avid, peripheral, lung nodules with feeding vessels, which were suspicious for pulmonary metastases. A day later, the patient developed fever with chills and his blood culture showed bacterial growth (Enterobacter cloacae). A provisional diagnosis of SPE from an infected CVC was made. Chemotherapy was withheld, CVC removed, and the catheter tip was sent for bacterial culture. Following a 4-week course of antibiotic treatment, the patient became afebrile. Culture from the CVC tip grew the same organism, as was seen earlier in the patient's blood culture, thus pin-pointing the source of infection in our case. Diagnosis of SPE was clinched when follow-up CT chest done after completion of antibiotic course showed complete resolution of the lung lesions.

Radiologic mimics of pulmonary embolism

The diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) is often made more challenging by the presence of diseases that can mimic thromboembolic disease. There is no specific or sensitive constellation of clinical signs or symptoms that can be used to diagnose PE. Ventilation/perfusion scans can have false-positive findings related to mediastinal conditions that can compress the pulmonary arteries, and pulmonary hemorrhage can resemble PE on V/Q scanning with potentially devastating consequences if anticoagulation is started. CT-scan related issues l eading to potential false-positive diagnoses range from inadequate imaging technique, to systemic-pulmonary shunting, to non-thrombotic occlusion of pulmonary arteries by tumor, septic emboli, and emboli of fat, air, and foreign material, as well as vasculitic processes. Careful assessment of the patient and consideration of these potential mimickers is imperative to correct diagnosis of this potentially life-threatening condition.

Duration of antifungal therapy for septic pulmonary embolism caused by Candida albicans from a central venous catheter: A case report

The treatment duration for candidemia with septic pulmonary embolism should be determined based on the clearance of fungus from the bloodstream and improvement of symptoms. The remaining lung nodules may not necessarily indicate persistent infection.

Comparison of the Clinico-Microbiological Characteristics of Culture-Positive and Culture-Negative Septic Pulmonary Embolism: A 10-Year Retrospective Study

Septic pulmonary embolism (SPE) is a rare yet serious infectious disorder with nonspecific clinical findings due to microorganism-containing emboli disseminating from extrapulmonary infectious foci. It is unknown whether a positive blood culture correlates with a worse clinical outcome. We compared the clinical and microbiologic characteristics of patients with SPE divided into the culture-positive group and the culture-negative one. This study was a retrospective observational study of the patients diagnosed with SPE and treated in an academic hospital from April 2010 to May 2020. We identified six culture-positive and four culture-negative patients with SPE during the study period. The culture-positive group had significantly longer periods of hospitalization (median: 75 days, range: 45-125 days) than the culture-negative group (median: 14.5 days, range: 3-43 days) (p < 0.05), as well as significantly elevated serum C-reactive protein and procalcitonin. Patients with culture-negative SPE more commonly had odontogenic infections as the primary infectious foci. Our study highlights the importance of giving extra attention to SPE patients who have a positive blood culture, as they may have worse clinical outcomes. Physicians need to collaborate with dentists when faced with patients with culture-negative SPE, since they may have primary odontogenic infections.

Radiological approach to cavitary lung lesions

Cavitary lesions in the lung are not an uncommon imaging encounter and carry a broad differential diagnosis that includes a wide range of pathological conditions from cancers, infections/inflammatory processes to traumatic and congenital lung abnormalities. In this review article, we describe a comprehensive approach for evaluation of cavitary lung lesions and discuss the differential diagnosis in the light of radiological findings.

Pulmonary endarteritis and endocarditis complicated with septic embolism: a case report and review of the literature

Background

Pulmonary endarteritis is a rare clinical phenomenon with congenital heart that can potentially lead to major complications.

Case presentation

We report a 47-year-old man with pulmonary endarteritis. This patient presented with hypertension, chest pain and a previous history of pulmonary valve disease during childhood. Also, eight-months prior, he was hospitalized with dyspnea (Functional Class III), cough, phlegm, and night sweats without fever. Echocardiographic diagnosis in the first transtransthoracic echocardiography (TTE) was intense pulmonary valve stenosis (PVS) an, thus, the pulmonary valve vegetation and PVS, established by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). He was referred for surgery after 1 weeks of intravenous antibiotic therapy for removal of the vegetation.

Conclusions

Finally he was asymptomatic at 3-months of follow-up and was clinically in good condition. Therefore, the detection of infective endocarditis of the lung valve must not lengthy be prolonged.

A case of septic pulmonary embolism caused by P. aeruginosa in a hemodialysis patient and review of the literature

Background

Septic pulmonary embolism (SPE) is an uncommon but serious complication resulting from infection of the blood. Gram-positive cocci, including methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, are the most common causative organisms of SPE. Few case reports have been published on SPE caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), and thus, the consensus treatment of SPE caused by P. aeruginosa infections remains undetermined. Management of P. aeruginosa infection can be challenging due to its poor prognosis and antimicrobial resistance. Here, we report a case of successful combination antibiotic therapy for SPE associated with infective endocarditis (IE) caused by P. aeruginosa in a hemodialysis patient, with a review of the literature.

Case presentation

A 62-year-old man receiving maintenance hemodialysis as treatment for end-stage renal disease due to IgA nephropathy was admitted to our hospital with high fever and chills lasting 10 days. Chest computed tomography revealed multiple nodular shadows, and gram-negative rods were confirmed by blood culture obtained on admission. We suspected SPE and initiated meropenem (MEPM) treatment. P. aeruginosa was identified in blood cultures, and transesophageal echocardiography demonstrated vegetation on the tricuspid valve. Therefore, a diagnosis of SPE associated with IE caused by P. aeruginosa was made. P. aeruginosa isolates showed good susceptibility to MEPM, but no symptomatic improvement was observed. Thus, antibiotics were changed from MEPM to a combination of ceftazidime and tobramycin (TOB). The patient exhibited a favorable response to the combination therapy, although we discontinued TOB on day 23 because of tinnitus symptoms.

Conclusions

We report a rare case of SPE associated with IE caused by P. aeruginosa in a hemodialysis patient. Combination antibiotic therapy may be effective in this situation.

Septic pulmonary embolism in China: clinical features and analysis of prognostic factors for mortality in 98 cases

BACKGROUND

To investigate the clinical features of septic pulmonary embolism (SPE) cases and prognostic factors for in-hospital mortality in China.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted of SPE patients hospitalized between January 2007 and June 2018 in the Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University.

RESULTS

A total of 98 patients with SPE were identified. All patients had bilateral multiple peripheral nodules on chest computed tomography. The most common pathogen found in blood culture was Staphylococcus aureus (10/33, 30.3%). Transthoracic echocardiography was performed in 39 patients and 20 showed vegetations. Bronchoscopy was performed in 24 patients. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was obtained from 15 patients (62.5%) and showed predominantly polymorphonuclear cell infiltration (52%, range of 48%~ 63%). Four patients received transbronchial lung biopsy, and histopathological examinations revealed suppurative pneumonia and organizing pneumonia. The in-hospital mortality rate was 19.4%. Age (odds ratio [OR] 1.100; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.035-1.169), hypotension (OR 7.260; 95% CI 1.126-46.804) and ineffective or delay of empirical antimicrobial therapy (OR 7.341; 95% CI 1.145-47.045) were found to be independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality, whereas drainage treatment was found to be a protective factor (OR 0.33; 95% CI 0.002-0.677).

CONCLUSIONS

SPE cases presented with nonspecific clinical manifestations and radiologic features. Blood cultures and bronchoscopy are important measures for early diagnosis and differential diagnosis. There is relationship between primary infection sites and the type of pathogen. Maintaining normal blood pressure and providing timely and appropriate initial antimicrobial therapy for effective control of the infection could improve prognosis.

Occult bacteraemia in cardiac implantable electronic device patients: a review of diagnostic workflow and mandatory therapy

: Cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) implantation has greatly increased, with an associated exponential increase in CIED infections (CDIs). Cardiac device related infective endocarditis (CDRIE) has high morbidity and mortality: approximately 10-21%. Therefore, a prompt diagnosis and radical treatment of CDRIE are needed; transvenous lead extraction (TLE) is the mainstay for the complete healing, even if associated with wide logistic problems, high therapeutic costs and high mortality risk for patients. Some criticisms about the value of Duke criteria and their limitations for the diagnosis of CDRIE are known. The significance of classic laboratory data, transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), considered in the Duke score, are reviewed and critically discussed in this article, with regard to the specific field of the diagnosis of CDI. The need for new techniques for achieving the diagnostic reliability has been well perceived by physicians, and additional techniques have been introduced in the new European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and British Heart Rhythm Society (BHRS) guidelines on infective endocarditis. These suggested techniques, such as 18-Fluorodeoxyglucose PET/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT), white blood cell PET (WBC PET) and lung multislice CT (MSCT), are also discussed in the study. This short review is intended as an extensive summary of the diagnostic workflow in cases of CDI and will be useful for readers who want to know more about this issue.

Intraluminal Arterial Filling Defects Misdiagnosed as Pulmonary Emboli: What Else Could They Be?

Pulmonary artery filling defects can be observed in various pathologic processes other than pulmonary embolism, for example, nonthrombotic pulmonary embolism with biological and nonbiological materials and intrinsic pulmonary artery lesions. They have also been described in rare conditions, such as fibrosing mediastinitis and congenital absence or stenosis of pulmonary artery, and some pulmonary parenchymal and airway malignancies. Misdiagnosis is common owing to the relative rarity of these conditions. Correct diagnosis is based on the appropriate clinical suspicion considering the unique clinical features, laboratory findings, and additional radiologic clues inferring a pathology other than pulmonary embolism.

Septic Pulmonary Embolism Secondary to Klebsiella pneumoniae Epididymitis: Case Report and Literature Review

Background

Septic pulmonary embolism (SPE) is defined as the occurrence of septic thrombi in the pulmonary circulation. We report a case of SPE secondary to K. pneumoniae epididymitis.

Case Presentation

A 74-year-old male with a history of diabetes mellitus experienced SPE secondary to epididymitis, with isolation of K. pneumoniae in blood and presence of lung nodules, with a chest computed tomography showing the halo and reversed halo signs.

Discussion

SPE is characterized by the presence of septic thrombi in the pulmonary circulation coming from an extrapulmonary infective focus. SPE secondary to K. pneumoniae epididymitis is an uncommon condition that is characterized by the presence of multiple bilateral nodules of peripheral distribution.

Conclusion

SPE is an unusual complication of acute epididymitis. Suspicion of SPE should be considered in patients with a diagnosis of epididymitis, respiratory symptoms, and multiple nodules in chest imaging assessments.

Delftia acidovorans: A rare cause of septic pulmonary embolism from catheter-related infection: Case report and literature review

Septic pulmonary emboli is a rare condition due to the dislodgement of an infected thrombus traveling to the pulmonary vasculature via the venous system. Staphylococcus spp. and Candida spp. are the most common causative agents. The most common risk factor is intravenous drug abuse, but there has been an association with intravenous catheters. Delftia acidovorans (DA) is a rare organism causing catheter-related infection, which has a tendency to embolize and clog up major vessels. It is highly resistant to all available aminoglycoside agents. There are only a few cases reported in children showing DA as a cause of septic emboli with none of the cases reported in a young patient. We report a similar case but in a young adult who developed septic emboli due to DA that was caused by an infected peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) line. Since the organism is highly susceptible to recurrent embolization, the PICC line was removed and the patient was treated successfully with an appropriate antibiotic regime.

Home Parenteral Nutrition in Patients with Intestinal Failure: Possible Undetected Complications

Background: Septic pulmonary embolism (SPE) may be a frequently undetected complication of central venous catheter (CVC)-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs). Materials and Methods: The incidence of SPE was evaluated in a cohort of non-oncological patients on home parenteral nutrition (HPN) who were hospitalized for a CRBSI from January 2013 to December 2017. The main clinical, microbiological, and radiological features and the therapeutic approach were also described. Results: Twenty-three infections over 51,563 days of HPN therapy were observed, corresponding to an infection rate of 0.45/1000. In 10 out of the 23 cases (43.5%), pulmonary lesions compatible with SPE were identified. Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that a CRBSI can produce asymptomatic SPE with lung infiltrates in 43.5% of the cases, suggesting the need to check for secondary lung infections to choose the most appropriate antimicrobial therapy.

Fusobacterium necrophorum sepsis after tonsillitis/pharyngitis

Fusobacterium necrophorum is a rare infection most notable for causing Lemierre's syndrome. This consists of a primary oropharyngeal infection and septic thrombophlebitis, and one or more metastatic focus. Prior to the widespread use of antibiotics, Lemierre's syndrome commonly followed a rapidly progressing course, with a high mortality. We describe a case of a previously well 18-month-old boy who presented to the emergency department with a 3-week history of progressive, right-sided, painful neck swelling and systemic sepsis. He was initially treated conservatively with intravenous antibiotics, but ultimately required surgical drainage. Lemierre's syndrome is a rare condition with increasing incidence which can have significant adverse outcomes including death. Early recognition and treatment are essential, but identifying Lemierre's disease is challenging.

Septic pulmonary embolism associated with periodontal disease: a case report and literature review

Background

Periodontal disease, including periodontitis, has been reported to be a rare cause of septic pulmonary embolism (SPE). It is however extremely difficult to isolate the causative pathogen of periodontal disease-associated SPE from blood cultures of these patients.

Case presentation

In this study, an 85-year-old Japanese man was admitted with fever and worsening malaise. He was later noted to have multiple bilateral subpleural pulmonary nodules on chest computed tomography scan. After admission, Parvimonas micra (P. micra) was isolated from his blood culture. This was followed by a meticulous search for the primary source of SPE, focusing on the head and neck areas. Consequently, apical periodontitis and infratemporal fossa abscess were identified as the primary sources of SPE. Although P. micra is one of the most frequently detected bacteria in the infected root canals of teeth with chronic apical periodontitis, it has rarely been proven as a causative pathogen of periodontal disease-associated SPE.

Conclusions

This case study demonstrated that periodontal disease is an important primary source of SPE and P. micra could be a causative pathogen of SPE.

An intensive medical care network led to successful living-donor liver transplantation in late-onset hepatic failure with disseminated Staphylococcus aureus infection

Here, we describe a 42-year-old male patient with late-onset hepatic failure (LOHF) due to acute-onset autoimmune hepatitis. At first, his response to steroid therapy was good, but hepatitis relapsed during steroid pulse therapy. Deterioration of liver function caused LOHF, and LOHF has a poor prognosis, particularly when it is complicated by infection. Systemic infection by Staphylococcus aureus resulted in a skin rash and septic pulmonary embolism, and is an absolute contraindication for liver transplantation (LT). In this treatment network, hepatologists and a transplant surgeon cooperated to overcome severe infection and their efforts led to successful transplantation. On-line hemodiafiltration is an indispensable treatment option for acute liver failure. Infection control is crucial for LT and an intensive medical care network led to successful living-donor LT.

Necrotizing fasciitis with pulmonary septic emboli following an infected insect bite

Although systemic infections originating from skin infections caused by insect bites are uncommon, it is imperative to maintain a broad differential diagnosis should patients develop systemic symptoms. Necrotizing fasciitis is a rare diagnosis, and progression to septic pulmonary emboli is even less common. Emergent identification and aggressive treatment of these two disease processes are imperative as both carry high rates of morbidity and mortality.

Beyond Pulmonary Embolism; Nonthrombotic Pulmonary Embolism as Diagnostic Challenges

Nonthrombotic pulmonary embolism (NTPE) is less well understood and is encountered less frequently than pulmonary embolism from venous thrombosis. NTPE results from embolization of nonthrombotic material to the pulmonary vasculature originating from many different cell types as well as nonbiologic or foreign materials. For many radiologists NTPE is a challenging diagnosis, presenting nonspecific or unusual imaging findings in the setting of few or unusual clinical signs. The aim of this paper is to review the pathophysiology of diverse causes of NTPE, which should aid radiologists to better understand and, more importantly, diagnose these infrequent events.