Septic Pulmonary Embolism Complicated with Pyopneumothorax: A Case Report

Pleural involvement in septic pulmonary embolism is rare. Herein, we report the case of a 23-year-old woman with a history of intravenous drug abuse that developed pyopneumothorax. Septic pulmonary embolism with necrotizing pneumonia, as a complication of tricuspid valve endocarditis, was diagnosed on admission. Staphylococcus aureus grew on 2 sets of blood culture and vancomycin was given. During her stay in our hospital, right-sided pyopneumothorax developed. No history of direct trauma was found. After drainage, her condition improved. Pulmonary involvement and the possible mechanism of pyopneumothorax in an intravenous drug abuser with septic pulmonary embolism are discussed in this report.