Pulmonary Artery Thrombosis Associated with Scrub Typhus
Jeong Hwan Cho1, Chan Hee Lee2
1Department of Internal Medicine, Daegu Veterans Hospital, Daegu, Korea.
Infection & Chemotherapy
|April 4, 2019
Summary
Scrub typhus, an infection by Orientia tsutsugamushi, can rarely cause pulmonary artery thrombosis. Endothelial dysfunction and vasculitis are the likely mechanisms behind this severe complication.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Pathology
Background:
- Scrub typhus is an acute febrile illness caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi.
- The disease presentation ranges from mild to fatal.
- Pulmonary artery thrombosis is an uncommon but serious complication.
Observation:
- This report details a rare case of pulmonary artery thrombosis occurring in a patient with scrub typhus.
- The patient's clinical course and diagnostic findings are presented.
Findings:
- Scrub typhus was diagnosed as the underlying cause of the pulmonary artery thrombosis.
- Vasculitis, driven by endothelial dysfunction induced by Orientia tsutsugamushi infection, is proposed as the primary pathogenic mechanism.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for severe thrombotic events in scrub typhus.
- Understanding the mechanism of vasculitis in scrub typhus is crucial for managing such complications.
- Further research may elucidate the link between Orientia tsutsugamushi and thromboembolic phenomena.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors
587
Phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors are potent enzymes that function to hydrolyze cyclic nucleotides to their corresponding 5' monophosphates. Their unique biochemical properties have been applied in treating Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH).
Among the PDE5 inhibitors, sildenafil (Revatio) stands out as a competitive and selective inhibitor. It operates by elevating cellular levels of cGMP and augmenting signaling through the cGMP-PKG pathway, promoting vasodilation. Upon oral...
Among the PDE5 inhibitors, sildenafil (Revatio) stands out as a competitive and selective inhibitor. It operates by elevating cellular levels of cGMP and augmenting signaling through the cGMP-PKG pathway, promoting vasodilation. Upon oral...
587
01:18Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Endothelin Receptor Antagonists
452
Endothelins (ETs) are potent vasoactive peptides critical in the human body's various physiological and pathological processes. One of the most promising therapeutic strategies for treating pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) involves counteracting the effects of these endothelins using a class of drugs known as endothelin receptor antagonists.
ETs are synthesized through a complex sequence of enzymatic steps, primarily involving an enzyme referred to as endothelin-converting enzyme...
ETs are synthesized through a complex sequence of enzymatic steps, primarily involving an enzyme referred to as endothelin-converting enzyme...
452
01:23Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Prostacyclin Receptor Agonists
480
Prostacyclin receptor agonists are a class of therapeutic agents integral to managing pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). These drugs operate by mimicking the action of prostaglandin I2, or PGI2, a naturally occurring compound in the body.
These agonists bind to the IPR receptor situated on the plasma membrane of the pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells. This binding triggers a cascade of reactions known as the GS-AC-cAMP-PKA pathway. This pathway results in the relaxation of smooth muscle...
These agonists bind to the IPR receptor situated on the plasma membrane of the pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells. This binding triggers a cascade of reactions known as the GS-AC-cAMP-PKA pathway. This pathway results in the relaxation of smooth muscle...
480
01:30Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction
439
Venous thrombosis, the most common disorder of the veins, involves the formation of a thrombus or blood clot associated with vein inflammation. It can be classified as either superficial vein thrombosis or deep vein thrombosis.Superficial Vein Thrombosis: This involves the formation of a thrombus in a superficial vein, usually the greater or lesser saphenous vein. Though less severe than deep vein thrombosis (DVT), SVT can lead to complications if untreated.Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): This...
439
01:16Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Oxygen Therapy for Respiratory Failure
603
Oxygen therapy has emerged as a significant tool in enhancing the quality of life for patients suffering from pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). While this therapy has principally been studied on patients with significant hypoxemia, this therapeutic approach helps prevent potential organ damage and can be administered in the comfort of one's home.
Oxygen therapy is vital in increasing and maintaining blood oxygen levels in PAH patients. As a result, it aids in reducing fatigue,...
Oxygen therapy is vital in increasing and maintaining blood oxygen levels in PAH patients. As a result, it aids in reducing fatigue,...
603
01:26Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors and Calcium Channel Blockers
491
Receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are two critical categories of drugs employed in the treatment of pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH). PAH is a disease that causes high blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries, resulting in chest pain, fatigue, and shortness of breath.
TKIs, such as imatinib (Gleevec), are particularly effective in tackling the growth and mitogenic factors that become upregulated in PAH patients. These factors contribute to the...
TKIs, such as imatinib (Gleevec), are particularly effective in tackling the growth and mitogenic factors that become upregulated in PAH patients. These factors contribute to the...
491