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Respiratory failure caused by intrathoracic amoebiasis
Toshinobu Yokoyama1, Masashi Hirokawa, Yutaka Imamura
1Division of Respirology, Neurology and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kurume University, Japan;
Infection and Drug Resistance
|June 23, 2011
Summary
This case study highlights a rare presentation of invasive amoebiasis in an HIV-positive patient, leading to liver abscess and empyema. Prompt treatment with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) successfully managed drug-induced agranulocytosis.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Hepatology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Invasive amoebiasis, caused by Entamoeba histolytica, can manifest with diverse and severe complications.
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection can alter the clinical presentation and management of parasitic infections.
Observation:
- A 41-year-old male with HIV presented with diarrhea, fever, and respiratory distress.
- Imaging revealed a large liver abscess, right pleural effusion, and amoebic colitis, indicative of invasive amoebiasis with empyema.
- The patient developed agranulocytosis after trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole treatment.
Findings:
- Successful management of amoebic colitis, liver abscess, and empyema was achieved.
- Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) effectively reversed trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole-induced agranulocytosis.
- The patient experienced a favorable clinical recovery.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering invasive amoebiasis in immunocompromised patients with compatible symptoms.
- Highlights the potential for severe drug-induced hematological complications in HIV-positive individuals.
- Demonstrates the efficacy of G-CSF in managing drug-induced agranulocytosis in complex infectious disease scenarios.
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