Tuberc Respir Dis.  2012 Mar;72(3):328-331.

A Case of Septic Azygos Vein Embolism Caused by Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia

• Kang WS
• Min JW
• Park SJ
• Lee MK
• Park CS
• Chung JH

Abstract

A Septic embolism is a type of embolism infected with bacteria containing pus. These may become dangerous if dislodged from their original location. Embolisms of this type in the azygos vein are potentially fatal. The diagnosis of septic azygos vein embolism is difficult, so rapid diagnosis and treatment is important to avoid complications. Generally, treatment is enough for appropriate antibiotic therapy without anticoagulant therapy. We report a case of staphylococcal septic embolism in the azygos vein, which was discovered in a 51-year-old man exhibiting chest pain, dyspnea and fever. The patient was treated with antibiotic therapy alone without the use of anticoagulants.

Keyword

Pulmonary Embolism; Sepsis; Azygos Vein; Staphylococcus aureus

MeSH Terms

Anticoagulants
Azygos Vein
Bacteremia
Bacteria
Chest Pain
Dyspnea
Embolism
Fever
Humans
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Embolism
Sepsis
Staphylococcus
Staphylococcus aureus
Suppuration
Anticoagulants

Figure

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  Figure 1 Chest X-ray showed right lower zone consolidation with pleural effusion and peripherally multiple nodular opacities.

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  Figure 2 Chest computed tomography showed filling defects in the azygos vein (arrow), suggesting a septic embolism.

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  Figure 3 Long vascular computed tomography showed lower leg intramuscular abscess.

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  Figure 4 Follow-up of chest computed tomography revealed complete resolution of the septic embolism in the azygos vein.

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