Metastatic staphylococcal lung abscess due to a cutaneous furuncle

A seemingly trivial infection of the skin can lead to fulminant staphylococcal pneumonia and death. This case history describes the evolution of a fatal Staphylococcus aureus sepsis complicated by the development of multiple lung abscesses in a 17-year-old patient. A pre-existing cutaneous furuncle was the only identifiable cause. Early bacteraemic symptoms are described. Multiple cavitory lesions could be seen on a CAT-scan. The authors would like to stress the importance of early and adequate antibiotic treatment.