The American journal of case reports
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Case Reports
A 45-Year-Old Undiagnosed Cirrhotic Patient with Hepatopulmonary Syndrome as First Presentation: A Case Report.
Hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) is a pulmonary complication characterized by a triad of chronic liver disease, arterial hypoxemia, and pulmonary vascular dilations. Agitated saline contrast echocardiography is a simple inexpensive criterion standard procedure for confirming the diagnosis of HPS. ⋯ HPS, although a complication of cirrhosis, can be the initial presentation in undiagnosed cirrhotic patients. Thus, it is important to include HPS in differentials when dealing with cases of progressive dyspnea. Also, the possibility of a liver disease etiology should be explored in patients with unexplained hypoxemia.
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Chromobacterium violaceum (C. violaceum) is a facultative anaerobic gram-negative bacterium found in soil and water, especially in tropical and subtropical areas. Although infection in humans is rare, it is associated with significant morbidity. The bacterium is known for its resistance to multiple antimicrobials, and the possibility of relapse and reinfection. Presence of bacteremia, disseminated infection, and ineffective antimicrobial agents are predictors of mortality. ⋯ This case highlights the importance of considering C. violaceum as a relevant human pathogen, and considering it early in temperate regions, particularly in cases of fulminant sepsis associated with multi-organ abscesses. Once C. violaceum is identified, appropriate antimicrobial therapy should be started promptly, and sufficient duration of treatment is necessary for successful therapy.