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Septic pulmonary embolism in a child
Solmaz Celebi1, Mustafa Hacimustafaoglu, Metin Demirkaya
1Uludag University Medical Faculty, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Gorukle, Bursa, Turkey. solmaz@uludag.edu.tr
Indian Pediatrics
|June 3, 2008
Summary
Septic pulmonary embolism (PE) is rarely diagnosed in children. This case highlights a fatal Staphylococcus aureus infection presenting as PE in a 15-year-old girl.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Radiology
Background:
- Septic pulmonary embolism (PE) is an uncommon diagnosis in pediatric patients.
- Early recognition and treatment are crucial for favorable outcomes.
Observation:
- A 15-year-old female presented with fever, extremity swelling, and pain.
- Imaging revealed bilateral lung nodules, pleural effusion, and a large lesion consistent with PE.
- Staphylococcus aureus was identified in blood, pleural fluid, and tracheal aspirates.
Findings:
- The patient's presentation and imaging findings were characteristic of septic pulmonary embolism.
- Despite antibiotic treatment with cefotaxime and clindamycin, the patient demised within 5 hours.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering septic PE in the differential diagnosis of pediatric respiratory and systemic illness.
- Prompt and aggressive management is critical, though outcomes can be poor in severe cases.
- Staphylococcus aureus should be considered as a causative pathogen in pediatric septic PE.
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