Cerebral abscesses and septic pulmonary emboli due to Serratia marcescens infection arising from a Portacath

Abstract

Percutaneous intravenous devices are an essential component of modern health care. Although they are generally associated with a low incidence of vascular access device-related sepsis, the events following a vascular catheter-related sepsis can be clinically significant and difficult to treat. Here we report a case of Portacath-related sepsis with Serratia marcescens resulting in cerebral and pulmonary emboli, which in our knowledge, has not been reported before. Definitive identification and prolonged antimicrobial treatment according to culture sensitivities can lead to resolution of septic and pulmonary emboli.