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Worku E, Adam Worku D. Atraumatic Splenic Rupture in Legionella pneumophila Pneumonia. Case Rep Infect Dis 2023; 2023:9625170. [PMID: 37323130 PMCID: PMC10266911 DOI: 10.1155/2023/9625170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
A previously fit 46-year-old male handyman presented to a rural hospital with a cough, fever, and epigastric pain without peritonism. The patient was admitted medically with symptoms and radiological appearances consistent with atypical community-acquired pneumonia. During the first 48 hours of admission, he suffered a significant haemodynamic deterioration and was transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU) for vasoactive support. Following stabilisation, urgent abdominal CT imaging demonstrated splenic rupture with haematoma in the absence of historical trauma. Emergency splenectomy was performed; the histopathological examination was unremarkable. Investigations for the presenting complaint confirmed Legionella pneumophila serotype 1 pneumonia by urinary antigen testing. The patient was extubated on postoperative day 2 and stepped down from ICU to complete a 14-day course of azithromycin. Atraumatic splenic rupture is a rarely described clinical entity. The process can be subdivided into pathological and nonpathological (spontaneous) cases. Pathological atraumatic splenic rupture may occur in the context of wide-ranging aetiologies, including bacterial pneumonia; however, the association with Legionella pneumophila serotype 1 is exceptional, with this representing the eighth case in the medical literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliott Worku
- Adult Intensive Care Services, The Prince Charles Hospital, Chermside, Queensland, Australia
| | - Dominic Adam Worku
- Infectious Diseases Department, Morriston Hospital, Swansea, UK
- Public Health Wales, Cardiff, UK
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Burillo A, Pedro-Botet ML, Bouza E. Microbiology and Epidemiology of Legionnaire's Disease. Infect Dis Clin North Am 2017; 31:7-27. [PMID: 28159177 DOI: 10.1016/j.idc.2016.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Legionnaire's disease (LD) is the pneumonic form of legionellosis caused by aerobic gram-negative bacilli of the genus Legionella. Individuals become infected when they inhale aerosolized water droplets contaminated with Legionella species. Forty years after the identification of Legionella pneumophila as the cause of the 1976 pneumonia outbreak in a hotel in Philadelphia, we have non-culture-based diagnostic tests, effective antibiotics, and preventive measures to handle LD. With a mortality rate still around 10%, underreporting, and sporadic outbreaks, there is still much work to be done. In this article, the authors review the microbiology, laboratory diagnosis, and epidemiology of LD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Almudena Burillo
- Division of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Doctor Esquerdo 46, 28007 Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Doctor Esquerdo 46, 28007 Madrid, Spain; Departamento de Medicina, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Plaza Ramón y Cajal s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - María Luisa Pedro-Botet
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Hospital Universitario German Trías i Pujol, Carretera de Canyet s/n, 08916 Badalona, Spain; Departamento de Medicina, Area de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Plaza Cívica, Campus de la UAB, 08193 Bellaterra, Sardañola del Vallés (Barcelona), Spain; CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES CB06/06/1089), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Monforte de Lemos 3-5, Pabellón 11, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Emilio Bouza
- Division of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Doctor Esquerdo 46, 28007 Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Doctor Esquerdo 46, 28007 Madrid, Spain; Departamento de Medicina, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Plaza Ramón y Cajal s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain; CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES CB06/06/0058), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Monforte de Lemos 3-5, Pabellón 11, 28029 Madrid, Spain.
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Guy S, De Clercq S. Splenic rupture in community acquired pneumonia: A case report. Int J Surg Case Rep 2016; 29:85-87. [PMID: 27833056 PMCID: PMC5107583 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2016.10.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2016] [Accepted: 10/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Splenic rupture is a rare complication of community acquired pneumonia. Clinician vigilance is required to prevent subsequent morbidity and mortality. Post-operative follow-up must address the potential sequelae of asplenia. This research did not receive any specific funding and the authors declare no conflicting interests.
Introduction Splenic rupture is a rare but potentially lethal complication of community acquired pneumonia. Presentation of case We present an unusual case of haemorrhagic shock following splenic rupture requiring emergency splenectomy in a 49 year old female with community acquired pneumonia. Discussion The epidemiology, aetiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, investigation, management and outcomes of atraumatic splenic rupture are discussed. Conclusion Atraumatic splenic rupture is a rare but potentially fatal complication of numerous disease processes including pneumonia. A high index of suspicion and a thorough and systematic approach to the deteriorating patient is required to prevent related morbidity and mortality. Post-operative follow-up must address the potential sequelae of asplenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Guy
- Gladstone Hospital, Park Street, Gladstone, QLD, 4680, Australia.
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Abstract
Since first identified in early 1977, bacteria of the genus Legionella are recognised as a common cause of community-acquired pneumonia and a rare cause of hospital-acquired pneumonia. Legionella bacteria multisystem manifestations mainly affect susceptible patients as a result of age, underlying debilitating conditions, or immunosuppression. Water is the major natural reservoir for Legionella, and the pathogen is found in many different natural and artificial aquatic environments such as cooling towers or water systems in buildings, including hospitals. The term given to the severe pneumonia and systemic infection caused by Legionella bacteria is Legionnaires' disease. Over time, the prevalence of legionellosis or Legionnaires' disease has risen, which might indicate a greater awareness and reporting of the disease. Advances in microbiology have led to a better understanding of the ecological niches and pathogenesis of the condition. Legionnaires' disease is not always suspected because of its non-specific symptoms, and the diagnostic tests routinely available do not offer the desired sensitivity. However, effective antibiotics are available. Disease notification systems provide the basis for initiating investigations and limiting the scale and recurrence of outbreaks. This report reviews our current understanding of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Burke A Cunha
- Infectious Disease Division, Winthrop-University Hospital, Mineola, NY, USA; School of Medicine, State University of New York, Stony Brook, NY, USA.
| | - Almudena Burillo
- Division of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Disease, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain; Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Emilio Bouza
- Division of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Disease, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain; Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain; CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES CB06/06/0058), Madrid, Spain
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Aubrey-Bassler FK, Sowers N. 613 cases of splenic rupture without risk factors or previously diagnosed disease: a systematic review. BMC Emerg Med 2012; 12:11. [PMID: 22889306 PMCID: PMC3532171 DOI: 10.1186/1471-227x-12-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2012] [Accepted: 07/28/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rupture of the spleen in the absence of trauma or previously diagnosed disease is largely ignored in the emergency literature and is often not documented as such in journals from other fields. We have conducted a systematic review of the literature to highlight the surprisingly frequent occurrence of this phenomenon and to document the diversity of diseases that can present in this fashion. METHODS Systematic review of English and French language publications catalogued in Pubmed, Embase and CINAHL between 1950 and 2011. RESULTS We found 613 cases of splenic rupture meeting the criteria above, 327 of which occurred as the presenting complaint of an underlying disease and 112 of which occurred following a medical procedure. Rupture appeared to occur spontaneously in histologically normal (but not necessarily normal size) spleens in 35 cases and after minor trauma in 23 cases. Medications were implicated in 47 cases, a splenic or adjacent anatomical abnormality in 31 cases and pregnancy or its complications in 38 cases. The most common associated diseases were infectious (n = 143), haematologic (n = 84) and non-haematologic neoplasms (n = 48). Amyloidosis (n = 24), internal trauma such as cough or vomiting (n = 17) and rheumatologic diseases (n = 10) are less frequently reported. Colonoscopy (n = 87) was the procedure reported most frequently as a cause of rupture. The anatomic abnormalities associated with rupture include splenic cysts (n = 6), infarction (n = 6) and hamartomata (n = 5). Medications associated with rupture include anticoagulants (n = 21), thrombolytics (n = 13) and recombinant G-CSF (n = 10). Other causes or associations reported very infrequently include other endoscopy, pulmonary, cardiac or abdominal surgery, hysterectomy, peliosis, empyema, remote pancreato-renal transplant, thrombosed splenic vein, hemangiomata, pancreatic pseudocysts, splenic artery aneurysm, cholesterol embolism, splenic granuloma, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, rib exostosis, pancreatitis, Gaucher's disease, Wilson's disease, pheochromocytoma, afibrinogenemia and ruptured ectopic pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS Emergency physicians should be attuned to the fact that rupture of the spleen can occur in the absence of major trauma or previously diagnosed splenic disease. The occurrence of such a rupture is likely to be the manifesting complaint of an underlying disease. Furthermore, colonoscopy should be more widely documented as a cause of splenic rupture.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Kris Aubrey-Bassler
- Primary Healthcare Research Unit, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Health Sciences Centre, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, St Johns, Canada
- Discipline of Emergency Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, St Johns, Canada
- Discipline of Family Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, St Johns, Canada
| | - Nicholas Sowers
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
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Spontaneous rupture of the spleen associated with Legionella pneumonia. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES & MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY 2011; 21:e107-8. [PMID: 21886641 DOI: 10.1155/2010/846419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Spontaneous rupture of the spleen associated with Legionella pneumonia is a rare and life-threatening complication; only three cases have been reported to date. The authors describe a case of a 47-year-old man who presented with pneumonia and abdominal pain. He underwent a splenectomy, and was successfully treated with clarithromycin and levofloxacin.
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Trisolini R, Lazzari Agli L, Cancellieri A, Procaccio L, Candoli P, Alifano M, Patelli M. Bronchoalveolar lavage findings in severe community-acquired pneumonia due to Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1. Respir Med 2005; 98:1222-6. [PMID: 15588044 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2004.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND No specific data are available in the literature on the bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL) findings of Legionella pneumophila pneumonia. We report on the cytological and immunophenotypical BAL data of three immunocompetent patients with severe community-acquired pneumonia due to L. pneumophila serogroup 1. METHODS Retrospective chart review. The microbiologial diagnosis was obtained by BAL culture or/and urinary antigen assay. RESULTS All patients presented with high-grade fever, bilateral chest infiltrates and severe respiratory failure requiring ventilatory support. The cytological BAL pattern at presentation showed in all patients the association of a marked neutrophilia with a variable but remarkable percentage of lymphoblasts. Increased levels of activated T-Lymphocytes (both HLA-DR + and CD25 + cells) and, in 2 out of 3 patients, of T-cells bearing the gamma/delta T-cell receptor were the main immunophenotypical findings on flow cytometric analysis. CONCLUSIONS We suggest that the association of lymphoblasts with a marked neutrophilia in BAL fluid of patients with a clinical-radiological setting compatible with acute pneumonia should suggest L. pneumophila as a possible etiologic agent.
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Ghobrial MW, Karim M, Mannam S. Spontaneous splenic rupture following the administration of intravenous heparin: case report and retrospective case review. Am J Hematol 2002; 71:314-7. [PMID: 12447963 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.10214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
We report the case of a 40-year-old African-American female who presented to the Emergency Department with unstable angina. The patient, who had multiple risk factors for coronary artery disease, was admitted to the coronary care unit for cardiac work-up and management. Shortly after the intravenous administration of unfractionated heparin, she suffered the acute onset of upper abdominal pain and shock. A CT scan of the abdomen revealed splenic rupture with hemoperitoneum. The patient, who was managed surgically, had complete recovery before discharge. A review of systems and medical records revealed no obvious risk factors or other potential etiology for this rupture. We herein provide the characteristics of this rarely documented causal relationship between heparin and spontaneous splenic rupture and retrospectively review similar cases in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel W Ghobrial
- Mercy Catholic Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital/Mercy Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
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Weiss SJ, Smith T, Laurin E, Wisner DH. Spontaneous splenic rupture due to subcutaneous heparin therapy. J Emerg Med 2000; 18:421-6. [PMID: 10802418 DOI: 10.1016/s0736-4679(00)00157-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
We report a case of spontaneous splenic rupture in a 59-year-old woman who was receiving 15,000 units of heparin subcutaneously (s.c. ) twice a day for deep venous thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis. Her past medical history included multiple DVT, pulmonary emboli, and ovarian cancer stage III-C with known ascites. The diagnosis of splenic rupture was initially missed because of the ascites. This case illustrates both a previously undescribed complication of s.c. heparin therapy and a failure of ultrasound diagnosis. We emphasize the unique presentation, difficulty in diagnosis, and need for early surgical involvement to ensure the most favorable outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- S J Weiss
- Division of Emergency Medicine, University of California, Davis, Medical Center, Sacramento, California 95817, USA
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Harris RA, Boland SL. Varicella zoster associated with spontaneous splenic rupture. THE AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF SURGERY 1998; 68:162-3. [PMID: 9494015 DOI: 10.1111/j.1445-2197.1998.tb04733.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- R A Harris
- Hornsby Kur-ing-gai Hospital, New South Wales, Australia
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Domingo P, Rodríguez P, López-Contreras J, Rebasa P, Mota S, Matias-Guiu X. Spontaneous rupture of the spleen associated with pneumonia. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 1996; 15:733-6. [PMID: 8922573 DOI: 10.1007/bf01691960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Spontaneous rupture of the spleen is a rare and life-threatening complication of bacterial pneumonia, only six properly documented cases having been reported to date. A case of spontaneous splenic rupture associated with pneumonia caused by Legionella pneumophila is presented, together with a review of the literature. Most of the patients were aged over 50, but none had predisposing conditions. Left lung involvement predominated. Legionellosis and Q fever were the most frequent etiologic diagnoses. Empiric antibiotic therapy was adequate in all but two patients. One patient died; he had not undergone laparotomy. Spontaneous rupture of the spleen is an extremely rare complication of bacterial pneumonia that endangers the patient's life if surgery is not performed immediately. This complication should be borne in mind in patients with atypical pneumonia who have left quadrant pain and a falling hematocrit, even in the absence of prior splenomegaly.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Domingo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
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