Septic pulmonary embolism complicated by pyogenic spondylitis and psoas abscesses in a patient with methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia

Abstract

Septic pulmonary embolism (SPE) is a rare condition, indicating bacteraemia. We report a rare case of Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia causing SPE and multiple abscesses in a previously healthy patient. A previously healthy 33-year-old man presented to our hospital with fever and back pain for 3 weeks. Chest contrast-enhanced computed tomography image was suggestive of SPE, and the blood culture showed methicillin-susceptible S. aureus. Additional focus identification revealed pyogenic spondylitis and abscesses in the psoas muscles. After the 6-week antimicrobial treatment, his clinical condition and image findings improved, and he was discharged. SPE should be considered as a critical consequence of bacteraemia, and early focus identification is essential for appropriate treatment.