Dyspnea, Cough, and Fever for 7 Days in an Opiate Addict

Abstract

A 21-year-old woman presented to the emergency department because of dyspnea, cough, and fever for 7 days. The patient had a history of intravenous heroin abuse. Radiographic and computed tomographic (CT) images are shown below (Figures ​(Figures11–4). Figure 1 Posteroanterior chest radiograph shows ill-defined areas of consolidation (arrows) in both lungs. Scattered, thin-walled cavities (arrowheads) are also seen throughout both lungs. Figure 4 CT image demonstrates a cavitary mass (arrow) with a large feeding vessel (arrowhead). These findings are diagnostic for this condition. For diagnosis and discussion, see the following page. DIAGNOSIS: Septic pulmonary emboli.