Scrub typhus mimicking deep neck infection

Abstract

Scrub typhus is not uncommon in Asia and it is life threatening without correct treatment. The presentation of scrub typhus mimicking deep neck infection is rarely encountered by clinical physicians and delays the determination of the correct diagnosis. Here, we report a case of scrub typhus presenting symptoms like deep neck infection. The patient was admitted due to fever and a tender swelling on left side of his neck, which progressed to respiratory failure and acute renal failure under empirical use of ceftriaxone and metronidazole. After repetitive physical examinations, an eschar was found on his scalp. Finally he was successfully treated with tetracycline antibiotics. © 2008 The Japanese Society of Internal Medicine.