Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia Accompanied with Fat Embolism: A Case Report

ABSTRACT

Pneumocystis jirovecii is an atypical fungus that causes severe pneumonia in immune compromised patients. While Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) is more commonly diagnosed in individuals who have HIV infection, it can occur in individuals with other forms of immunosuppression. Fat embolism most commonly develops after orthopedic injuries, but it has also been reported after other forms of trauma such as severe burns, closed-chest cardiac massage, and liposuction. Overlap in the clinical presentation of these diseases has not yet been reported. We report here on a case of PCP with fat embolism in 52-year-old female patient who had no obvious risk factors for HIV infection. Even if risk factors for HIV or other forms of immunosuppression are not present, PCP can also be seen in patients who present with fat embolism, and the clinical presentation of both conditions can overlap.