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Published on: February 9, 2011
Persistent Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Bacteremia Secondary to Infected Seroma: A Rare Case Report
Ruhma Ali1, Aditya Patel1, Ahmed Abbas1
1Internal Medicine, Saint Michael's Medical Center, Newark, USA.
Abstract:
A seroma is defined as a serous fluid collection that develops as a response to injury and surgeries, particularly mastectomy and reconstructive and abdominal surgeries. The majority of the seromas are self-limiting and arise in the acute postoperative period; however, diagnosis of seroma several years after surgery has also been reported in the literature. Persistent bacteremia with infected seroma as a source is a rare entity. We present the first case to be reported of persistent bacteremia secondary to infected seroma with septic emboli to lungs and prostate without any evidence of endocarditis on multiple echocardiograms. This case highlights the importance of meticulous physical examination and source control in the management of bacteremia.
Insights
Infected seromas can cause persistent bacteremia, a rare complication. This case highlights the importance of physical examination and source control for managing bacteremia, even without endocarditis.
Area of Science:
- Medical Case Report
- Infectious Diseases
- Surgical Complications
Background:
- Seromas, fluid collections post-surgery, are usually self-limiting.
- Infected seromas are uncommon but can lead to serious complications.
- Persistent bacteremia typically suggests other sources like endocarditis.
Observation:
- A patient presented with persistent bacteremia years after surgery.
- Infected seroma was identified as the source of bacteremia.
- Septic emboli were found in the lungs and prostate.
Findings:
- No evidence of endocarditis was found on multiple echocardiograms.
- This is the first reported case of persistent bacteremia secondary to an infected seroma with septic emboli.
- Meticulous physical examination and source control were crucial for management.
Implications:
- Highlights the potential for infected seromas to cause rare, severe infections.
- Emphasizes the need to consider overlooked sources in persistent bacteremia.
- Underscores the importance of source control in managing complex infections.
