ABSTRACT
Campylobacter fetus subsp. fetus causes systemic diseases including bacteremia and meningitis. However, it rarely causes bacterial pericarditis. We present a rare case of bacterial pericarditis caused by Campylobacter fetus subsp. fetus. A man in his 60s presented with a fever and dyspnea. Electrocardiography revealed ST segment elevation in all leads except augmented vector right (aVR), and contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the chest revealed a large pericardial effusion. Campylobacter fetus subsp. fetus, appearing as curved, gull-wing-shaped gram-negative rods on microscopy, was identified on blood culture. The patient was diagnosed with acute pericarditis caused by Campylobacter fetus subsp. fetus. Further, history-taking revealed that he had consumed undercooked mutton before the onset of his illness. He recovered after treatment with antibiotics (ceftriaxone, ampicillin, and amoxicillin) for four weeks. With a blood culture revealing gull-wing shaped gram-negative rods, and the patient's history including potential contact with animals or the consumption of raw or undercooked meat, Campylobacter fetus subsp. fetus infection should be suspected.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Pneumothorax is a rare but life-threatening complication associated with pneumonia caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). CASE PRESENTATION: Informed consent was obtained from the patient himself.A 50-year-old man presented with a 9-day history of fever, cough, and dyspnoea. He was diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia and was admitted to the Medical Hospital, Tokyo Medical and Dental University. Chest CT showed diffuse patchy ground-glass opacities (GGOs). His state of oxygenation deteriorated, and mechanical ventilation was initiated on day 4 after admission (12th day from onset). He improved gradually and was weaned from ventilation on day 15. Sudden onset of bilateral pneumothorax occurred on day 21 with severe respiratory failure, and chest CT revealed pneumatocele formation on both lower lobes. CONCLUSIONS: Pneumothorax is a notable complication in cases of severe COVID-19 pneumonia, especially in those who require positive-pressure ventilation.