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A Neonatal Imaging Model of Gram-Negative Bacterial Sepsis
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A case of severe sepsis presenting marked decrease of neutrophils and interesting findings on dynamic CT
Isamu Makino1, Hidehiro Tajima1, Hirohisa Kitagawa1
1Department of Gastroenterologic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan.
The American Journal of Case Reports
|May 29, 2015
Summary
Severe sepsis after abdominal surgery can cause a rapid drop in white blood cells (WBCs) and neutrophils. Prompt treatment led to recovery, highlighting the need for further research into this clinical presentation.
Area of Science:
- Medical Case Study
- Sepsis Pathophysiology
- Abdominal Surgery Complications
Background:
- Severe sepsis can manifest with a sudden decrease in white blood cells (WBCs) and neutrophils, often indicating a poor prognosis.
- This case examines a patient with severe postoperative sepsis following major abdominal surgery.
Observation:
- A 60-year-old male patient developed a high fever on postoperative day 3 after pancreatoduodenectomy with colectomy.
- Blood examination revealed a marked decrease in WBCs and neutrophils.
- Dynamic CT scans showed subtle liver abnormalities, including swelling and inhomogeneous enhancement, without clear signs of infection.
Findings:
- The patient's WBC and neutrophil counts rapidly normalized within 6 hours.
- Blood cultures identified Aeromonas hydrophila as the causative agent.
- Liver CT findings resolved after 3 days, coinciding with clinical recovery.
Implications:
- This case highlights unusual dynamic changes in WBC counts and liver imaging during severe sepsis.
- Prompt and intensive medical care was crucial for patient recovery.
- Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind these rapid pathophysiological changes in sepsis.
