Lemierre's syndrome, necrotizing pneumonia and staphylococcal septic shock treated with extracorporeal life support. (28th July 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mattke, Adrian C; Prabhu, Sudesh; Clark, Julia; Labrom, Robert; Burns, Hanna; Schlapbach, Luregn J
• Is Part Of: SAGE open medical case reports. Volume 5(2017)
• Publication Date: 2017-07-28
• Subjects: Lemierre's syndrome -- extracorporeal life support -- acute respiratory distress syndrome -- sepsis; Clinical medicine -- Case studies -- Periodicals; 616.09
• DOI: 10.1177/2050313X17722726
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2050-313X

Abstract

Objectives: Lemierre's syndrome cause by methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus is rare, but can lead to necrotizing pneumonia and septicaemia. When treating such patient with extracorporeal life support source control can be both challenging and controversial. Methods: In this report we present a 12 year old male who presented with Lemierre's syndrome from which he developed septic shock and severe necrotizing pneumonia. He also showed multiple pulmonary embolisms from the internal jugular vein thrombi, resulting in acute respiratory distress syndrome. Results: The patient was treated with extracorporeal life support. Subsequent computed tomography revealed multiple abscesses throughout his lungs and around vertebral bodies C1 and C2, for which source control with drainage of the cervical abscesses was achieved while on extracorporeal life support. The necrotizing pneumonia gradually improved, and partial pneumectomy was avoided. He was successfully separated from extracorporeal life support and respiratory support and recovered from his illness. Follow-up imaging showed almost complete resolution of the pulmonary abscesses. Osteomyelitis of C1/C2 and severe muscle wasting required a prolonged hospital stay. Conclusion: This case highlights the challenges of supporting patients suffering from disseminated staphylococcal sepsis with extracorporeal life support and the key role of source control and demonstrates the value of using extracorporeal life support in necrotizing pneumonia.