Gonococcemia associated with adult respiratory distress syndrome

We report a case of gonococcemia that was associated with adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). To our knowledge, this is only the third reported case of ARDS associated with gonococcemia. This is the first reported case of ARDS associated with gonococcemia that was documented by positive results of blood cultures and measurements of wedge pressure obtained by a catheter in the pulmonary artery. We also believe that this is the first reported patient who required mechanical ventilation under positive end-expiratory pressure. This patient made a full recovery. Gonococcemia associated with ARDS continues to occur rarely in patients despite the prevalence of disseminated gonococcal infection. The reason for the infrequent occurrence of ARDS with disseminated gonococcal infection remains uncertain.