A Man in His 50s With Septic Shock From an Occult Source

Abstract

A previously healthy man in his 50s presented to an ED complaining of a 1-week history of generalized malaise, weakness, subjective fevers, chills, decreased appetite, and nonbloody diarrhea. He was given a diagnosis of a viral illness and discharged with acetaminophen and ibuprofen. His symptoms continued, and follow-up with his primary physician revealed an elevated serum creatinine level (5.84 mg/dL) from a previously normal baseline. He was referred to the ED.