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Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
12:18

Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)

Published on: February 9, 2011

Deep vein thrombosis and septic pulmonary emboli with MRSA osteomyelitis in a pediatric patient

Rebecca Linn Schaub1, Mark Lee Rodkey

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Christus Santa Rosa Children's Hospital, San Antonio, TX, USA.

Pediatric Emergency Care
|September 4, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) are rare in children but serious. This case highlights a 5-year-old with DVT and PE caused by a bone infection, emphasizing the need for physician awareness.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) are uncommon in pediatric patients.
  • Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent significant morbidity and mortality.

Observation:

  • A 5-year-old boy presented to the emergency department with diagnosed DVT and PE.
  • The underlying cause was identified as osteomyelitis of the left tibia.
  • The infection was attributed to community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA).

Findings:

  • The patient experienced a prolonged hospital stay with multiple complications.
  • Despite complications, the patient was ultimately discharged in good condition.
  • Septic emboli from osteomyelitis can lead to DVT and PE.

Implications:

  • Emergency department physicians must consider rare but severe complications of infections.
  • Awareness of DVT and PE as potential sequelae of CA-MRSA osteomyelitis is vital.
  • Early recognition and management are key in high-prevalence CA-MRSA areas.

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