Tuberculosis y una Gemella spp: Una combinación indeseable / Tuberculosis and a Gemella spp: An undesirable combination

El género Gemella spp corresponde a cocos gram positivos, anaerobios facultativos, catalasa negativos, no móviles y no formadores de esporas, usualmente comensales de la cavidad oral, que no suelen ser patógenos en pacientes inmunocompetentes. Sin embargo, puede comportarse como germen oportunista en pacientes inmunosuprimidos o con otros factores de riesgo como mala higiene dental, cirugía gastrointestinal, enfermedades metabólicas entre otras, y se asocia con endocarditis, meningitis y en menor medida compromiso pulmonar. La información respecto a la susceptibilidad antimicrobiana es limitada y se asemeja a la de S viridans, por lo que la penicilina y ampicilina son los medicamentos de elección, sin tener claridad en cuanto a duración del tratamiento, usualmente considerando llevar a 4 semanas o hasta el drenaje de la colección. Éste reporte de caso describe una paciente con tuberculosis en tratamiento, que desarrolla una infección invasiva con documentación de empiema y bacteriemia secundaria por Gemella morbillorum, representando la asociación poco común de ésta infección bacteriana con tuberculosis.

Gemella spp. corresponds to gram positive cocci, facultative anaerobes, negative catalase, non mobile and non spore producers, part of colonizing flora of the oral cavity that are not common pathogens in immunocompetent patients. Nevertheless it may behave as an opportunistic germ in immunosuppressed patients or with other risk factors that include bad dental hygiene, bowel surgery, and metabolic diseases among others. It's associated with infections such as endocarditis, meningitis and less frecuently can implicate the lung. The information regarding antimicrobial susceptibility is limited and resembles S viridans, so penicillin and ampicillin are the medications of choice, without being clear about the duration of treatment, usually giving 4 weeks or until collection drain. This case report describes a patient with known tuberculosis diagnosis and under treatment, that develops an invasive infection with empyema and secondary bloodstream infection by Gemella morbillorum, depicting a previously uncommon but described association of this bacterial infection with tuberculosis.

Empiema Necessitatis: reporte de un caso / Empyema Necessitatis: case report / Empiema Necessitatis: reporte de um caso

La formación de un absceso que se inicia en el espacio pleural y se extiende hacia los tejidos adyacentes se conoce como Empiema Necessitatis, es una complicación rara, más aún si es secundaria a traumatismo. El tratamiento temprano es vital y consiste en drenaje del empiema asociado a antibiótico de amplio espectro, hasta obtener cultivos del agente etiológico, con Mycobacterium tuberculosis como etiología más común. A continuación, reportamos el caso de un paciente de 47 años sin antecedentes de importancia, que ingresa inicialmente por politrauma por caída de altura, manejado de forma conservadora. Reingresa 15 días después por fiebre y aparición de masa en torácica. Se confirma, mediante tomografía de tórax contrastada, fistulización de una colección hacia tejidos blandos, por lo que se inicia manejo antibiótico y quirúrgico. Se aisló Staphylococcus aureus sensible. El paciente mejora y egresa para seguir manejo ambulatorio.

The Formation of an abscess in the pleural space that spreads through the adjacent tissues is known as Empyema Necessitatis, which is a rare complication, even more if it is secondary to trauma. An early management is vital and consists of a surgical drainage of empyema associated with broad-spectrum antibiotics until the etiologic agent is identified. Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the most common etiology found. The article presents a report on a medical case of a 47 year-old patient without a significant personal medical history, who was initially admitted for polytrauma due to a fall from his own height. The trauma was treated in a conventional way. After 15 days, is admitted again with fever and a new mass in the wall chest. A CT tomography showed a pus fistulation from the pleural space through the soft tissues of the chest. A drainage was performed and broad-spectrum antibiotics were given until sensitive Staphylococcus aureus was identified. Finally, the patient got better and continued ambulatory management.

A formação de um abscesso que se inicia no espaço pleural e se estende aos tecidos adjacentes se conhece como Empiema Necessitatis, é uma complicação rara, mas ainda assim é secundária ao traumatismo. O tratamento precoce é vital e consiste em drenagem do empiema associado a antibiótico de amplo espectro, até obter cultivos do agente etiológico, com Mycobacterium tuberculosis como etiologia mais comum. A continuação, reportamos o caso de um paciente de 47 anos sem antecedentes de importância, que ingressa inicialmente por politrauma por queda de altura, manejado de forma conservadora. Reingressa 15 dias depois por febre e aparecimento de massa em torácica. Se confirma, mediante tomografia de tórax contrastada, fistulização de uma coleção aos tecidos moles, pelo que se inicia manejo antibiótico e cirúrgico. Se isolou Staphylococcus aureus sensível. O paciente melhora e egressa para seguir manejo ambulatório.

Otomastoiditis crónica supurada complicada con absceso extradural y colecciónsupurada subcutánea (Absceso de Bezold), asociada a hematoma subdural crónico / Chronic suppurative otomastoiditis complicated with extradural abscess and subcutaneous suppurative collection (Bezold's abscess), associated with chronic subdural hematoma

Introducción: Las complicaciones intracraneanas de la otomastoiditis crónica supurada (OMCS) se ven cada vez con menor frecuencia gracias al diagnóstico precoz, acceso a imagenología y uso de antibióticos. La asociación de una OMCS con empiema extradural y hematoma subdural crónico es extremadamente infrecuente y y reportar un caso clinico es el objetivo de este reporte. Caso clínico: Paciente de 28 años, con historia de trauma craneano dos meses antes del ingreso. Consultó por otorrea fétida derecha de 45 días de evolución. Un mes previo a la consulta instala tumoración fluctuante en planos superficiales de región temporoparietal derecha que aumenta de tamaño y se hace dolorosa. Examen neurológico normal. Se realiza tomografía de cráneo que evidencia colección extradural y subdural, asociada a otomastoiditis. Se intervino en conjunto con ORL para evacuación del proceso supurado intracraneano y mastoidectomía, encontrándose en el intraoperatorio que la colección subdural no era infecciosa (empiema), sino que era un hematoma subdural crónico. La evolución fue buena siendo dado de alta asintomático. Reportamos esta asociación lesional muy poco frecuente, cuyo diagnóstico preoperatorio hubiera hecho variar la táctica neuroquirúrgica. Se discuten los hechos clínicos e imagenológicos que podrían haber llevado al diagnóstico correcto.

Introduction: Intracranial complications of chronic suppurative otomastoiditis (OMCS) are seen less and less frequently seen thanks to early diagnosis, access to imaging and access to antibiotics. The association of an OMCS with extradural empyema and chronic subdural hematoma is extremely infrequent. We report a clincal case of OMCS associated with a chronic subdural haematoma. Clinical case: A 28-year-old patient with a history of cranial trauma two months before admission, who consulted for a 46-day history of fetid otorrhea. One month prior to the consultation, he detected a fluctuating tumor in superficial planes of the right temporoparietal region that increased and became painful. He has a normal neurological examination. We performed a cranial CT and we detected an extradural and subdural collection, associated with otomastoiditis. A surgical intervention with a combined team was performed (Othologist and neurosurgeons). The aim of the surgery to evacuate the intracranial process and mastoidectomy. In the intraoperative period, we discovered that the subdural collection was not infectious but a chronic subdural hematoma. The evolution was good being discharged asymptomatic. We report a very rare association (OMCS with chronic subdural haematoma), whose preoperative diagnosis would have changed the neurosurgical tactic. Clinical and imaging facts that could have led to the correct diagnosis are discussed.

Empiema del Muñón Ureteral: Secretos Para un Buen Diagnóstico / Empyema of the Ureteral Stump: Secrets for a Correct Diagnosis

El muñón ureteral es el segmento de uréter remanente posterior a una nefrectomía, que puede, ocasionalmente, dar origen a un cuadro sintomático infeccioso poco frecuente, conocido como empiema del muñón ureteral (EMU). El mismo suele atribuirse a otra patología por desconocimiento médico y no es reconocido hasta que el cuadro clínico avanza significativamente o se realiza la exploración quirúrgica. Los muñones ureterales que se encontraban sanos en la cirugía inicial no suelen desarrollar patología. Por el contrario, los uréteres obstruidos, crónicamente infectados o asociados a litiasis o reflujo distal, son los que se encuentran en riesgo de desarrollar complicaciones futuras. En esta revisión, se repasa la literatura y se presentan casos de pacientes con antecedentes de nefrectomía que por diferentes causas transcurrieron con empiema en el muñón ureteral, con el fin de analizar las posibles causas y factores predisponentes de la patología, describir los hallazgos radiológicos en los diferentes métodos diagnósticos y poder reconocer las posibles complicaciones para su correcto manejo terapéutico. Las infecciones urinarias a repetición son útiles para sospechar la presencia de EMU. Ellas se deben al reflujo urinario o disfunción en el vaciamiento del uréter remanente, con estasis e infección del mismo. Por lo tanto, en pacientes con antecedentes de nefrectomía que presentan dolor abdominal difuso, fiebre y antecedentes de infecciones urinarias a repetición, es necesario sospechar empiema del muñón ureteral para poder realizar un correcto análisis imagenológico y posterior tratamiento.

The ureteral stump is the segment of the ureter that remains after a nephrectomy, and it can occasionally give rise to a rare symptomatic infectious disorder known as an empyema of the ureteral stump. The syndrome is usually attributed to another disease due to the radiologist's or ED physician's unawareness, and diagnosis is delayed until there is significant clinical progression, complimentary images or exploratory surgery is performed. Ureteral stumps that were healthy at the initial surgery, usually do not pose further problems. On the other hand, ureters that are obstructed, chronically infected or associated with nephrolithiasis or distal reflux, are at risk for developing future complications. This review goes over the available literature on the subject and presents cases of patients who underwent a nephrectomy and, for different reasons, developed an empyema of the ureteral stump in order analyze the possible causes and predisposing factors, describing the main radiologic findings in each of the different imaging modalities, and recognize the possible complications and their according therapeutic management. Repeated urinary tract infections are useful for suspecting the presence of an empyema, and are due to vesicoureteral reflux or ureteral dysfunction, with consequent urinary stasis and infection. Thus, patients with a history of nephrectomy presenting with diffuse abdominal pain, fever and repeat urinary infections, should raise the suspicion of empyema of the ureteral stump, leading to a correct imaging analysis and posterior treatment.

Diagnostic Performance of ¹⁸F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography/CT for Chronic Empyema-Associated Malignancy

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT) for chronic empyema-associated malignancy (CEAM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT images of 33 patients with chronic empyema, and analyzed the following findings: 1) shape of the empyema cavity, 2) presence of fistula, 3) maximum standardized uptake value (SUV) of the empyema cavity, 4) uptake pattern of the empyema cavity, 5) presence of a protruding soft tissue mass within the empyema cavity, and 6) involvement of adjacent structures. Final diagnosis was determined based on histopathology or clinical follow-up for at least 6 months. The abovementioned findings were compared between the ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT images of CEAM and chronic empyema. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was also performed. RESULTS: Six lesions were histopathologically proven as malignant; there were three cases of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, two of squamous cell carcinoma, and one of poorly differentiated carcinoma. Maximum SUV within the empyema cavity (p < 0.001) presence of a protruding soft tissue mass (p = 0.002), and involvement of the adjacent structures (p < 0.001) were significantly different between the CEAM and chronic empyema images. The maximum SUV exhibited the highest diagnostic performance, with the highest specificity (96.3%, 26/27), positive predictive value (85.7%, 6/7), and accuracy (97.0%, 32/33) among all criteria. On ROC analysis, the area under the curve of maximum SUV was 0.994. CONCLUSION: ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT can be useful for diagnosing CEAM in patients with chronic empyema. The maximum SUV within the empyema cavity is the most accurate ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT diagnostic criterion for CEAM.

Thoracotomy versus Video-Assisted Thoracoscopy in Pediatric Empyema / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: To compare the outcomes of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) in comparison to open thoracic surgery in pediatric patients suffering from empyema. METHODS: A prospective study was carried out in 80 patients referred to the Department of Pediatric Surgery between 2015 and 2018. The patients were randomly divided into thoracotomy and VATS groups (groups I and II, respectively). Forty patients were in the thoracotomy group (16 males [40%], 24 females [60%]; average age, 5.77±4.08 years) and 40 patients were in the VATS group (18 males [45%], 22 females [55%]; average age, 6.27±3.67 years). There were no significant differences in age (p=0.61) or sex (p=0.26). Routine preliminary workups for all patients were ordered, and the patients were followed up for 90 days at regular intervals. RESULTS: The average length of hospital stay (16.28±7.83 days vs. 15.83±9.44 days, p=0.04) and the duration of treatment needed for pain relief (10 days vs. 5 days, p=0.004) were longer in the thoracotomy group than in the VATS group. Thoracotomy patients had surgical wound infections in 27.3% of cases, whereas no cases of infection were reported in the VATS group (p=0.04). CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that VATS was not only less invasive than thoracotomy, but also showed promising results, such as an earlier discharge from the hospital and fewer postoperative complications.

Successful Diagnosis and Treatment of a Pancreaticopleural Fistula in a Patient Presenting with Unusual Empyema and Hemoptysis / 대한흉부외과학회지

Pancreaticopleural fistula (PPF) is a rare complication in patients with pancreatitis. Its symptoms are similar to those of empyema or pleural effusion; therefore, it is important to consider PPF in the differential diagnosis. Herein, we describe the diagnosis and treatment of PPF in a patient presenting with unusual empyema and delayed hemoptysis.

Iatrogenic pleural empyema caused by Propionibacterium acnes

Propionibacterium acnes is one of the commensals living on the human skin and glands, implicated mainly in acnes, but seldom in deep infection. Pleural empyema is rarely complicated with closed thoracostomy. We experienced 1 case of empyema caused by P. acnes after pleural biopsy and closed thoracostomy through a percutaneous pigtail catheter. A 79-year-old man was admitted for cough, purulent sputum and shortness of breath. Three weeks ago, closed thoracostomy and pleural biopsy were performed to confirm a diagnosis for his recurrent pleural effusion. He had increased amount of right pleural effusion. Through the pigtail catheter, pleural effusion was removed. Gram-positive rods were observed in Gram stain, but not cultured. By 16S rRNA analysis, P. acnes was confirmed as the pathogen. His empyema was repeatedly treated with antibiotics, fibrolysis and irrigation. Pleural decortication was recommended. We report the first case of empyema with P. acnes in Korea, possibly complicated with closed thoracostomy procedures.

Intracranial abscess from facial cellulitis

Cellulitis, one of most common diseases of everyday life, is often overlooked for its significance. Although cellulitis does not cause or lead to serious problems usually, its possibility to cause life-threatening problem should be known. In present case, a patient who had received acupuncture treatment a week earlier presented to the clinic with symptoms of facial cellulitis. The disease resolved within few weeks under empirical antibiotic treatment but recurred after 3 months. Under close history review of the patient, we found out that the patient had received craniectomy 20 years ago. The patient had blunt headache with no other neurological symptoms that could suspect cranial infection, but considering the risk originating from the patient’s surgical history, brain computed tomography (CT) was taken. CT images revealed abscess formation in the subgaleal and epidural spaces. Craniotomy with abscess evacuation was done promptly. With additional antibiotic treatment postoperatively, the disease resolved, and the 1-month postoperative follow-up brain CT showed no signs of abscess formation.

Epidural Abscess Caused by Eikenella corrodens in a Previously Healthy Child

Eikenella corrodens rarely causes invasive head and neck infections in immunocompetent children. We report a case of epidural abscess caused by E. corrodens in a previously healthy 13-year-old boy who presented with fever, headache, and vomiting. On physical examination upon admission, there was no neck stiffness, but discharge from the right ear was observed. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed approximately 4.5-cm-sized epidural empyema on the right temporal lobe as well as bilateral ethmoid and sphenoid sinusitis, right mastoiditis, and right otitis media. During treatment with vancomycin and cefotaxime, purulent ear discharge aggravated, and on follow-up brain MRI, the empyema size increased to 5.6×3.4 cm with interval development of an abscess at the right sphenoid sinus. Burr hole trephination was performed, and foul-smelling pus was aspirated from the epidural abscess near the right temporal lobe. Pus culture yielded E. corrodens. Endoscopic sphenoidotomy was also performed with massive pus drainage, and the same organism was grown. The patient was treated with intravenous cefotaxime for 3 weeks and recovered well with no other complications. Therefore, E. corrodens can cause serious complications in children with untreated sinusitis.

Paciente con papilomatosis laringo-traqueo-bronquial recurrente y empiema at necessitates Dificultades de diagnóstico y manejo / Patient with recurrent laryngeal-tracheo-bronchial papillomatosis and empyema at necessitates Difficulties in diagnosis and management

Resumen Paciente masculino de 17 años, con cuadro de PLR desde los 18 meses, al que se le han realizado 85 intervenciones a nivel laringo-traqueal, por lo que requirió traqueostomía permanente desde los cinco años, presentando cuadros de neumonías a repetición con invasión papilomatosa a pulmón de predominio derecho con aislamiento de actinomicetos; desarrolló empiema at neccesitatis del que se aislaron múltiples gérmenes multirresistentes con severo compromiso del parénquima pulmonar por lo que requirió neumonectomía radical derecha en intento de controlar la infección. Fue manejado con anfotericina B deoxicolato, meropenem, tigeciclina y polimixina B a pesar de lo cual presenta empeoramiento del cuadro clínico con posterior choque séptico refractario que lo llevó a la muerte.

Abstract A 17-year-old male patient, with a clinical picture of RRP since18 months of age, who underwent 85 interventions at the laryngo-tracheal level, requiring permanent tracheostomy from the age of 5, presenting recurrent pneumonia with lung papillomatous invasion of right predominance with actinomycete isolation. He developed empyema at neccesitatis from which multiple multiresistant organisms with severe compromise of the pulmonary parenchyma were isolated, which required a right radical pneumonectomy in an attempt to control the infection. He was managed with am-photericin B deoxycholate, meropenem, tigecycline and polymyxin B, despite which he presented worsening of the clinical picture with subsequent refractory septic shock that led to his death.

Manejo del empiema complicado con ventana torácica y sistema de presión negativa / Management of complicated empyema with thoracic window and negative pressure system

Introducción: El empiema torácico se define como derrame pleural purulento. La causa más frecuente es el infeccioso paraneumónico, sin embargo, puede presentarse en escenarios posquirúrgicos o postraumáticos. El empiema sigue una evolución progresiva trifásica y el tratamiento debe enfocarse a la causa de la enfermedad, fase evolutiva, y el estado general del paciente. Algunos casos requieren toracotomía con drenaje abierto tipo ventana torácica para solucionar el padecimiento. Materiales y Método: Estudio observacional, retrospectivo y descriptivo basado en una serie de casos. Se analizaron datos de pacientes consecutivos con empiema intervenidos con toracotomía con drenaje abierto tipo ventana torácica y uso de sistema de presión negativa en un Hospital de 3er Nivel del Sureste de México de octubre 2015 a junio 2017. Resultados: Se analizaron seis casos, la mediana de edad fue 46 años (rango intercuartílico 34-47) y 67% eran hombres. El sistema de presión negativa se colocó en el periodo posquirúrgico con una mediana de 6 días (rango intercuartílico 5-7). El tiempo medio de permanencia fue de 61 días (RIC 43-148). Finalmente, el tiempo de estancia hospitalaria fue de 72 días (RIC 49-87). El 67% de los casos evolucionó con cierre de la ventana torácica y adecuada expansión pulmonar. Conclusiones: En pacientes con empiema crónico, la terapia integral que incluya toracotomía con ventana torácica y el uso de sistema de presión negativa es una estrategia aceptable de tratamiento. Se requieren más estudios que ratifiquen los resultados de forma más objetiva.

Background: Thoracic empyema is defined as a purulent pleural effusion. Its most common origin is parapneumonic, nonetheless, post-surgical or post-traumatic empyema can also occur. Empyema has a progressive three-phase evolution and the treatment must focus to the evolutionary phase, cause of the disease and overall state of the patient. Some cases would undergo through thoracotomy with thoracic window open drainage to solve the disease. Material and Methods: This is an observational, retrospective and descriptive study based on all consecutive patients with empyema who underwent thoracotomy with thoracic window open drainage in a 3rd level hospital in the southeast of Mexico between october 2015 and june 2017. Results: We identified 6 cases. Median of age was 46 years (IQR 34-47) and 67% were male. The negative pressure system was placed in the 6th day of surgery (IQR 5-7). Median time of use was 61 days (IQR 43-148). Finally, the length of hospital stay was 72 days (IQR 49-87). 67% of the cases had chest window closure with adequate lung expansion. Conclusions: when we face a clinical scenario with chronic empyema, an integral therapy that includes thoracic window thoracotomy with a negative pressure system is an acceptable treatment strategy. Subsequent studies are required in order to ratify the results

Management of Complicated Empyema with Thoracic Window and Negative Pressure System

Introduction: the thoracic empyema is defined as a purulent pleural effusion. Its most frequent cause is infectious parapneumonic effusion; however, postsurgical or posttraumatic empyema can also occur. The empyema has a progressive three-phase evolution and its treatment shall focus on the cause of the disease, the evolutionary phase and the general condition of the patient. In order to cure this condition, some cases require thoracotomy with open thoracic window drainage. Materials and Method: observational, retrospective and descriptive study based on a series of cases. We analyzed data from consecutive patients with empyema who underwent thoracotomy with open thoracic window drainage and using a negative pressure system in a third-level care hospital in the southeast of Mexico between October 2015 and June 2017. Results: we analyzed 6 cases. Median of age was 46 years (interquartile range 34-47), and 67% were male. The negative pressure system was placed during the postsurgical period, with a median of 6 days (interquartile range 5-7). The mean permanence time was 61 days (IQR 43-148). Finally, the length of hospital stay was 72 days (IQR 49-87). 67% of the cases had thoracic window closure and adequate lung expansion. Conclusions: in patients with chronic empyema, an integral therapy including thoracic window thoracotomy with a negative pressure system is an acceptable treatment strategy. More studies are required in order to ratify the results more objectively.

Comparison of two techniques for transpharyngeal endoscopic auditory tube diverticulotomy in the horse

Auditory tube diverticula, also known as guttural pouches, are naturally occurring dilations of the auditory tube in horses that communicate with the nasopharynx through a small ostium. Infection and select other conditions can result in inflammation and narrowing of the nasopharyngeal ostium, which prevents drainage of fluid or egress of air and can lead to persistent infection or guttural pouch tympany. Auditory tube diverticulotomy allows continuous egress from the auditory tube diverticula and is a feature of disease treatment in horses, in which medical treatment alone is not successful. Transpharyngeal endoscopic auditory tube diverticulotomy was performed using a diode laser either at a single dorsal pharyngeal recess location or bilaterally caudal to the nasopharyngeal ostium in 10 horse head specimens. Both methods resulted in clear communication between the nasopharynx and auditory tube diverticula. Diverticulotomy performed in the dorsal pharyngeal recess required less laser energy and activation time and had a shorter surgical duration than diverticulotomy performed caudal to the nasopharyngeal ostium. Further study related to the clinical application of both techniques is warranted.

Treatment of Fungal Empyema Combined with Osteoradionecrosis by Thoracoplasty and Myocutaneous Flap Transposition

We report the rare case of a 58-year-old woman who was diagnosed with fungal empyema thoracis combined with osteoradionecrosis. After 32 months of home care followed by open window thoracostomy, thoracoplasty with serratus anterior muscle transposition and a latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap was performed successfully. Although thoracoplasty is now rarely indicated, it is still the treatment of choice for the complete obliteration of thoracic spaces.

Severe Sepsis and Empyema Caused by Nocardia / 대한내과학회지

Pulmonary nocardiosis is a rare opportunistic infection that commonly affects immunocompromised hosts, such as patients with organ transplants, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, or prolonged immunosuppression. Recently, we encountered a case of pulmonary nocardiosis with empyema that progressed to severe sepsis. The patient was treated in the intensive care unit. Thereafter, medical thoracoscopy was performed to improve drainage of the pleural fluid. Nocardia was identified in the culture of the pleural fluid.

An atypical case of Lemierre syndrome following oropharyngeal infection / 고신대학교의과대학학술지

Lemierre syndrome is characterized by anaerobic bacterial infection in the head and neck and clinical or radiological evidence of internal jugular vein thrombophlebitis. The most common pathogens are Fusobacterium species, particularly Fusobacterium necrophorum. Septic emboli resulting from infected thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein leads to metastatic infections involving lung, liver, kidney, bone and central nervous system. The accurate diagnosis and treatment is important because it may be associated with a high mortality rate if untreated. We present a case of 28-year-old man with an atypical history for the diagnosis of Lemierre syndrome, which showed no definite evidence of internal jugular thrombophlebitis.

A Case of Community-acquired Bacteremic Empyema Caused by Kocuria kristinae

Kocuria kristinae, part of the normal flora of the skin and oral mucosa, is seldom reported as a human pathogen; infection is mostly associated with immunocompromised patients in healthcare facilities. Here, we describe the first case of bacteremic empyema caused by K. kristinae acquired from the community. K. kristinae was isolated from pleural effusion and two sets of peripheral blood samples drawn from two different sites. The empyema resolved after the insertion of a chest tube and intravenous administration of piperacillin-tazobactam and levofloxacin.

A Case of Community-acquired Bacteremic Empyema Caused by Kocuria kristinae

Kocuria kristinae, part of the normal flora of the skin and oral mucosa, is seldom reported as a human pathogen; infection is mostly associated with immunocompromised patients in healthcare facilities. Here, we describe the first case of bacteremic empyema caused by K. kristinae acquired from the community. K. kristinae was isolated from pleural effusion and two sets of peripheral blood samples drawn from two different sites. The empyema resolved after the insertion of a chest tube and intravenous administration of piperacillin-tazobactam and levofloxacin.

The changes of prevalence and etiology of pediatric pneumonia from National Emergency Department Information System in Korea, between 2007 and 2014 / 소아과

PURPOSE: Understanding changes in pathogen and pneumonia prevalence among pediatric pneumonia patients is important for the prevention of infectious diseases. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data of children younger than 18 years diagnosed with pneumonia at 117 Emergency Departments in Korea between 2007 and 2014. RESULTS: Over the study period, 329,380 pediatric cases of pneumonia were identified. The most frequent age group was 1–3 years old (48.6%) and the next was less than 12 months of age (17.4%). Based on International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision diagnostic codes, confirmed cases of viral pneumonia comprised 8.4% of all cases, pneumonia due to Mycoplasma pneumoniae comprised 3.8% and confirmed cases of bacterial pneumonia 1.3%. The prevalence of confirmed bacterial pneumonia decreased from 3.07% in 2007 and 4.01% in 2008 to 0.65% in 2014. The yearly rate of pneumococcal pneumonia also decreased from 0.47% in 2007 to 0.08% in 2014. A periodic prevalence of M. pneumoniae pneumonia (MP) was identified. CONCLUSION: The increased number of patients with pneumonia, bacterial pneumonia, pleural effusion, and empyema in 2011 and 2013–2014 resulted from an MP epidemic. We provide evidence that the frequency of confirmed cases of bacterial pneumonia and pneumococcal pneumonia has declined from 2007 to 2014, which can simultaneously reflect the effectiveness of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine.