Pulmonary Embolism Associated with Scrub Typhus / 대한내과학회지

ABSTRACT

Acute pulmonary embolism is a cardiovascular emergency and is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Endothelial damage secondary to invasion by Orientia tsutsugamushi can lead to focal occlusive endangiitis, causing microinfarcts in various tissues. This localized process can also cause venous thrombosis and peripheral gangrene. However, pulmonary embolism associated with scrub typhus has not been reported in Korea. Here, we report a patient diagnosed with pulmonary embolism associated with scrub typhus, the first report of its kind. The patient had an eschar with detection of anti-tsutsugamushi antibody, fever, dyspnea, and a maculopapular rash over the entire body. He was treated with doxycycline and anticoagulation therapy.