[Rare metastatic infection sites in S. aureus bacteraemia]

Bacteraemia caused by Staphylococcus aureus may result in metastatic infection sites. The most common types of metastatic infection are endocarditis and spondylodiscitis. Less common sites of infection can cause atypical symptoms and be a challenge to diagnose.

A 23-year-old male presented at the Emergency Room with acute abdominal pain radiating to his groin area, abnormal gait and fever. Blood cultures showed S. aureus. Endocarditis was ruled out by transthoracic echocardiography. CT and FDG-PET scans showed infarction of the spleen and symphysitis pubica with abscesses in the surrounding muscles as a cause of the symptoms.

A FDG-PET/CT scan can be helpful in diagnosing metastatic infections and their sites caused by S. aureus bacteraemia, especially if presentation is atypical. This way proper treatment can be started sooner.