A Case of Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome Caused by Group A Streptococcus Pneumonia / 대한내과학회지

ABSTRACT

Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is characterized clinically by shock and multiple organ failure, combined with invasive group A streptococcus (GAS) infection. Invasive GAS infection declined with the introduction of modern antibiotics, but has recently arisen again globally with severe presentations like TSS. Cases of streptococcal TSS have been reported in Korea since the 1990s and its prevalence may increase. We report the first case of GAS pneumonia initially presenting as streptococcal TSS, as a warning that this potentially fatal illness requires an early diagnosis and prompt treatment when patients with pneumonia develop shock and multiple organ failure.