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Septic shock and death due to occult sinusitis

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

M. A. Hariri  and
P. A. Vice
M. A. Hariri*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Royal Preston Hospital.
P. A. Vice
Affiliation:
Department of Internal Medicine, Royal Preston Hospital.
*
Centre for Audiology, Education of the Deaf & Speech Pathology, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL.
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Abstract

We report a case of septicaemia and death due to occult sinusitis in an otherwise healthy adult. Septicaemia was diagnosed on clinical grounds and blood culture grew Streptococcus pneumoniae. Maxillary sinusitis was discovered incidentally on a CT scan four days after the onset of symptoms. A sinus wash-out revealed pus which on culture was positive for Streptococcus pneumoniae. The patient deteriorated gradually and died despite appropriate therapy. We conclude that sinusitis should be suspected in any case of septicaemia where the primary focus is not known and the patient does not respond quickly to treatment.

Type
Clinical Records
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 104 , Issue 12 , December 1990 , pp. 990
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1990

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References

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