Fatal Catheter-Related Hematogenous Disseminated MSSA Sepsis in an Immunocompromised Lung Cancer Patient: A Case Report
Abstract
Purpose: The pathogenicity of Staphylococcus aureus is well-recognized, stemming from its potent toxins and invasive capabilities. However, disseminated infections caused by methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) are prone to being overlooked clinically. This study aims to report a case of disseminated invasive infection caused by MSSA in an immunocompromised patient, highlighting the clinical challenges in diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes.
Case presentation: In October 2022, the patient was found to have a pulmonary nodule (65 × 53 mm); in April 2023, a biopsy confirmed a diagnosis of lung cancer; on November 21, 2024, a PICC line was inserted to administer chemotherapy. After completing chemotherapy, the patient was discharged home, where he gradually developed diarrhea. On December 3, 2024 (12 days after chemotherapy), the patient began experiencing shortness of breath and coughing. The patient presented with septic shock, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and acute renal failure. Imaging studies revealed bilateral pulmonary infiltrates; a chest X-ray showed a "white lung" sign, and a CT scan demonstrated multiple nodules and cysts consistent with hematogenous dissemination. Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) was detected via tNGS, blood culture, and bone marrow culture. Despite a series of antimicrobial treatments, the infection spread to the bone marrow and spleen. Although the treatment regimen was ultimately adjusted to cefoxitin combined…
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Evidence Hub reads this as a case report, done in people. Its evidence level is 5 of 5 (Very low · case / narrative / animal / in vitro / in silico). Case reports, narrative reviews, and animal, cell or computer-model studies give the weakest evidence for human health.
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