Multilobar consolidation with abscess formation caused by Legionella pneumophila: an unusual chest radiographic presentation
Chang, F.Y.
Journal of Microbiology Immunology and Infection 31(3): 200-202
1998
ISSN/ISBN: 1684-1182 PMID: 10496159 Document Number: 486523
A 52-year-old male had fever, pleuritic chest pain, cough with purulent sputum and hemoptysis for 4 days. The patient had underlying alcoholic cardiomyopathy, cirrhosis of the liver, chronic obstructive lung disease and underwent corticosteroids therapy. Chest radiograph showed round opacities bilaterally. Legionella pneumophila serogroup 5 was identified by direct fluorescent antibody staining and culture from the sputum. Despite intravenous erythromycin and rifampin therapy, he died on the 7th hospital day. The autopsy showed bilateral pulmonary consolidation with abscess formation. Legionnaires' disease should be included in the differential diagnosis if an immunosuppressed patient presents with multilobar opacities on chest radiograph. Specific tests for Legionnaires' disease should be performed.