Diabetic Patient with CA-MRSA Pneumonia and Plasma Cell Neoplasm: A Case Report of Severe Complications and Prognosis.

Abstract

BACKGROUND The prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has been increasing in recent years, becoming a cause of community-acquired infection. Interestingly, its role in malignancy recently started to be considered after a noticed increase in reported cases and studies discussing the potential association. CASE REPORT In the present case, the patient had known and uncontrolled diabetes mellitus and a history of multiple abscesses that were previously treated by incision and drainage. The patient received a diagnosis of severe pneumonia, and MRSA was found in blood cultures. Further tests for HIV, hemagglutinin type 1, and neuraminidase type 1 (H1N1) were negative. The D test was also performed for macrolide-inducible resistance and was negative, indicating the need for intravenous administration of clindamycin. An echocardiogram ruled out endocarditis. Subsequently, the patient experienced progressive back pain and weakness involving the lower limbs. A pathological fracture was discovered, along with nerve root compression. An urgent posterior spine fixation was then performed by a neurosurgeon. A biopsy was collected at the site of the pathological fracture, and histopathological tests indicated a plasma cell neoplasm. CONCLUSIONS MRSA is known to cause serious and dangerous infections, including necrotizing pneumonia. Furthermore, a link between MRSA and plasma cell dyscrasia has been considered in several reports. This necessitates the need for further studies to clarify this hidden association, which may help in the course and prognosis of these patients.