Abstract
A recent case of septic pulmonary embolism in an intravenous drug user, complicated by issues of recurrent self discharge and delays in diagnosis yields opportunity to increase awareness of this uncommon yet life-threatening disorder. The literature is reviewed and includes suggested aids to raise clinical suspicion and improve subsequent management.
[download-attachments container="div" style="list" dipslay_icon="1" display_count="1" display__size="0"]
References
- Fah, F et al. Septic deep venous thrombosis in intravenous drug users Swiss Med Wkly 2002; 132: 386–392.
- Cook, RJ et al. Septic Pulmonary Embolism Presenting Features and Clinical Course of 14 Patients Chest 2005; 128: 162–166.
- Summanen et al. Comparison of the microbiology of soft tissue infections in IVDU and non-IVDU (160 abscesses sampled) Wound Microbiology and Associated Approaches to Wound Management 1995; 226 cmr.asm.org/cgi/content/full/14/2/244/T3.
- Macmillan JC, Milstein SH, Samson PC. Clinical spectrum of septic pulmonary embolism and infarction. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1978; 75: 670–679.
- O’Donnell, AE et al. Pulmonary complications associated with illicit drug use: an update. Chest 1995; 108: 460–463.
- Kuhlman, JE, Fishman EK, Teigan C. Pumonary Septic Emboli: Diagnosis with CT Radiology 1990; 174: 211–213.
- Iwasaki , Y et al. Spiral CT findings in septic pulmonary emboli. European Journal of Radiology 2001 Mar; 37(3): 190–4.
- Symptomatic Management of Opiate Withdrawal Guidelines, Available at: http://www.leedsteachinghospitals.com
