Lung imaging characteristics in a patient infected with Elizabethkingia miricola following cerebral hemorrhage surgery: A case report

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Elizabethkingia miricola is a non-fermenting gram-negative bacterium, which was first isolated from the condensate of the Russian peace space station in 2003. Most studies on this bacterium have been carried out in the laboratory, and clinical case studies are rare. To date, a total of 6 clinical cases have been reported worldwide.

CASE SUMMARY

We present the first case of postoperative pulmonary infection in a patient with intracerebral hemorrhage due to Elizabethkingia miricola. The imaging characteristics of pulmonary infection were identified and the formulation and selection of the clinical treatment plan for this patient are discussed.

CONCLUSION

Elizabethkingia miricola infection is rare. When pulmonary infection occurs, computed tomography imaging may show diffuse distribution of a ground glass density shadow in both lungs, the air containing bronchial sign in local areas, thickening of bronchial vascular bundle, and pleural effusion.

Keywords: Elizabethkingia miricola; Cerebral hemorrhage surgery; Postoperative pulmonary infection; Imaging features; Case report

Core Tip:Elizabethkingia miricola infection is rarely reported. We report a 54-year-old male with Elizabethkingia miricola infection in the lungs after surgery for cerebral hemorrhage. The clinical symptoms after infection were nonspecific and could not be timely and accurately diagnosed. Therefore, this report focuses on the imaging characteristics of pulmonary Elizabethkingia miricola infection.