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The association of septic thrombophlebitis with septic pulmonary embolism in adults

Jorge A Brenes1, Umesh Goswami, David N Williams

  • 1Department of Medicine, Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota, MN 55415, USA.

The Open Respiratory Medicine Journal
|May 22, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Septic pulmonary embolism, often linked to septic thrombophlebitis, affects adults and children. Prompt antibiotic and anticoagulation therapy led to recovery without new complications.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pulmonary Medicine
  • Vascular Medicine

Background:

  • Increasing pediatric reports of septic pulmonary embolism (SPE) linked to septic thrombophlebitis.
  • SPE often originates from an adjacent infectious source.
  • This study examines adult cases mirroring pediatric findings.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the clinical presentation and management of adults with septic thrombophlebitis and SPE.
  • To determine the efficacy of antibiotic and anticoagulation therapy in adults.
  • To compare adult findings with existing pediatric data.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of adult cases at an urban hospital (2000-2011).
  • Identification of patients with primary infection, adjacent septic thrombophlebitis, and SPE.
  • Analysis of clinical symptoms, pathogens, diagnostic findings, and treatment outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Five adult cases were identified.
  • Predominant symptoms included fever, pleuritic chest pain, chills, and cough.
  • Staphylococcus aureus was the most common pathogen; endocarditis was rare.
  • All patients received antibiotics and anticoagulation, with no new embolic or CNS complications.

Conclusions:

  • The triad of extrapulmonary infection, contiguous septic thrombophlebitis, and SPE occurs in both adults and children.
  • Systemic anticoagulation combined with antibiotics promotes clinical and radiologic improvement.
  • This management strategy appears safe and effective, avoiding significant complications.
Abstract

Keywords:
Septic thrombophlebitisanticoagulation.septic pulmonary emboli

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