Related Experiment Videos
Abstract:
The clinical and radiological manifestations were correlated with the necropsy findings in the lungs of 18 patients who died of Serratia marcescens infection. Ten died during a hospital epidemic affecting 74 patients. In 14, only Serratia was identified at autopsy; in 4, other organisms were also cultured. Ten patients had septicemia. The predominant radiological findings were focal bronchopneumonia in 13, lobar consolidation in 2, and diffuse nonhomogeneous infiltrates in 10. Small radiolucent areas within the infiltrates were seen in 5, a large pulmonary abscess in 1, and pleural effusion in 7. The predominant pathological findings were focal necrotizing bronchopneumonia (sometimes with microscopic abscesses) in 14 and diffuse hemorrhage in 3. Three patients had endocarditis and 3 others showed dissemination to the brain or kidneys.
Insights
Serratia marcescens infections in hospitalized patients often present as bronchopneumonia on chest X-rays. Necropsy findings reveal necrotizing bronchopneumonia, correlating with clinical and radiological signs.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Pathology
Background:
- Serratia marcescens is an opportunistic pathogen.
- Hospital-acquired infections pose significant clinical challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To correlate clinical and radiological findings with necropsy results in patients with Serratia marcescens infection.
- To understand the spectrum of lung pathology caused by Serratia marcescens.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 18 patients who died from Serratia marcescens infection.
- Correlation of clinical data, radiological imaging (chest X-rays), and autopsy findings.
Main Results:
- Focal necrotizing bronchopneumonia was the predominant pathological finding (14/18 patients).
- Radiological findings included focal bronchopneumonia (13/18), diffuse infiltrates (10/18), and pleural effusion (7/18).
- Disseminated infection occurred in some cases, affecting organs like the brain and kidneys.
Conclusions:
- Serratia marcescens infection can lead to severe pulmonary disease, including necrotizing bronchopneumonia and abscess formation.
- Radiological findings are often consistent with the pathological changes observed at autopsy.
- Prompt recognition and management are crucial for patients with Serratia marcescens infections.