Necrotizing Pneumonia With Extensive Lobar Cavitation

Abstract

Pneumonia occupies one of the leading positions in morbidity and mortality worldwide. It is frequently categorized depending on the site of acquisition. Here, we present a case of a young woman who was admitted to the Emergency Department (ED) with cough, dyspnea, fever, and progressive worsening associated with palpitations and hypotension. An initial x-ray was followed by a computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest, which revealed signs of extensive left lung pneumonia with pleural effusion. Despite initial improvement after antibiotic treatment, the patient's condition declined. A repeat chest CT showed evidence of extensive lobar cavitations, leading to suspicion of tuberculosis.

Keywords: cavitation; dyspnea; necrotizing pneumonia; pleural effusion; tuberculosis.

Figure 1. Extensive consolidation

Figure 2. Pleural effusion (yellow arrow) with consolidation (red arrow)

Figure 3. Extensive consolidation (yellow arrow) and air bronchogram (red arrow)

Figure 4. Cavitations (red arrows)

Figure 5. Recovery of the extensive pneumonia and complete resolution of pulmonary cavitations