Cavitated pulmonary nodules in a female patient with breast cancer: Keep in mind Serratia marcescens' infections. (2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fazio, Giulia; Galioto, Federica; Ferlito, Agata; Coronella, Maria; Palmucci, Stefano; Basile, Antonio
• Is Part Of: Respiratory medicine case reports. Volume 33(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021
• Subjects: X-ray -- Computed tomography -- Serratia marcescens -- Infection -- Cavitated nodule -- Breast cancer; Respiratory organs -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Chest -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Respiratory Tract Diseases -- Periodicals; Respiratory System -- Periodicals; Chest -- Diseases; Respiratory organs -- Diseases; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 616.2
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rmcr.2021.101441
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2213-0071

Abstract

Abstract: Serratia species are gram-negative bacteria, which could be isolated from soil, water, plants, animals and air. They are responsible for a heterogeneous spectrum of diseases, affecting the central nervous system, the urinary tract, the respiratory tract and the bloodstream. Pulmonary involvement is rare and typically occurs in immunocompromised patients; radiological appearances include haemorrhagic bronchopneumonia, even with the development of pulmonary abscesses and cavitated parenchymal lesions, or diffuse alveolar damage. Concerning pulmonary cavities, the differential diagnosis should include metastatic lung nodules, rheumatoid arthritis, Langerhans cell histiocytosis, mycotic infections and septic emboli. The knowledge of these radiological features, in association with clinical history and laboratory findings, is mandatory to make the correct diagnosis, suggesting the right treatment and the adequate follow-up. We described a challenging case of a Serratia marcescens' pulmonary infection, which occurred in a patient with breast cancer: clinical features and main imaging findings have been discussed – in order to help clinicians and radiologists in the management of the disease. Highlights: Breast cancer may involve lung parenchyma with metastatic cavitated nodules. Serratia can cause cavitated pulmonary nodules. Differential diagnosis of cavitated pulmonary nodules includes infectious and non-infectious diseases. Serratia commonly causes haemorrhagic bronchopneumonia or diffuse alveolar damage.