1/3. Streptoccocus pyogenes: a forgotten cause of severe community-acquired pneumonia.We report a case of severe community-acquired pneumonia caused by streptococcus pyogenes (Lancefield Group A streptoccocus) that was complicated by a streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. Although this micro-organism is an uncommon cause of community-acquired pneumonia, previously well individuals may be infected and the clinical course may be fulminant. A household contact was the likely point of infection. Invasive group A streptococcal disease continues to remain an important cause of morbidity and mortality in the community and therefore will continue to be encountered by intensive care physicians. Treatment of Group A streptococcal infection remains penicillin; however, clindamycin should be added in severe infection.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = physician (Clic here for more details about this article) |
2/3. Cystic adenomatoid malformation of the lung presenting in adulthood.Cystic adenomatoid malformation is an uncommon embryonic developmental abnormality usually diagnosed in neonates and infants. Its presentation in adulthood is rare, with only 27 cases reported up to now. Due to its rarity, it is seldom suspected and adult physicians are not familiar with its clinical and radiologic features. We report two cases of cystic adenomatoid malformation presenting in adults, one as a recurrent pneumonia, and another as a coincidental finding on a chest roentgenogram. We describe the clinical features, radiologic and computed tomographic findings, and the histopathologic characteristics in this article, along with a review of the literature.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = physician (Clic here for more details about this article) |
3/3. Acute community-acquired pneumonia due to Aspergillus in presumably immunocompetent hosts: clues for recognition of a rare but fatal disease.This article reports a case of acute community-acquired pneumonia due to aspergillus fumigatus in a healthy patient and reviews 11 previously reported cases occurring in presumably immunocompetent hosts. The diagnosis was delayed for all patients; mortality was 100%. Clues that might suggest Aspergillus as a pathogen in community-acquired pneumonia include a chest radiograph revealing diffuse infiltrates or new cavitation; lack of bacterial or viral cause; a preceding influenza A infection; and respiratory secretion cultures positive for Aspergillus. When these clues are present, the physician should consider an early biopsy of lung tissue. Increased recognition and more timely diagnosis in future cases will improve the outcome of this rare but fatal infection.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = physician (Clic here for more details about this article) |