Herpes Simplex Pneumonitis Presenting As Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome and Septic Shock
2024

Herpes Simplex Pneumonitis in a Chemotherapy Patient

publication Evidence: low

Author Information

Author(s): Muacevic Alexander, Adler John R, Pata Ramakanth, Kosuru Bhanu, Kristeva Joanna

Primary Institution: Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, CentraCare Health System, Saint Cloud, USA

Hypothesis

Can herpes simplex virus infection cause acute respiratory distress syndrome in immunocompromised patients?

Conclusion

The early recognition and treatment of herpes simplex virus infection can improve outcomes in critically ill patients.

Supporting Evidence

  • The patient developed acute respiratory distress syndrome after chemotherapy.
  • Herpes simplex virus was confirmed through bronchoalveolar lavage and blood tests.
  • Prompt antiviral therapy led to a good clinical response.

Takeaway

A 72-year-old woman with cancer got very sick from a virus that usually causes cold sores, but doctors helped her get better with medicine.

Methodology

Case report detailing the patient's symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

Limitations

The study is based on a single case report, limiting generalizability.

Participant Demographics

72-year-old female with a history of stage III rectal adenocarcinoma.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.7759/cureus.75075

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