Lethal case of lung gangrene against the background of viral-bacterial pneumonia (COVID-19 and <i>Fusobacteria</i>)

Abstract

The respiratory system is the main target of COVID-19 infection spread by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This study presents a case of viral–bacterial pneumonia caused by SARS-CoV-2 and Fusobacteria complicated by the development of gangrene in the lower lobe of the right lung with abscess formation. Accompanied by an ambulance team for emergency reasons, the patient was admitted for inpatient treatment with complaints of pain when coughing, dyspnea, cough with mucopurulent sputum, and fever up to 39.6°С. Chest computed tomography revealed signs of viral–bacterial pneumonia. Infiltration was determined in the lower lobe of the right lung, against which a cavity with melting lung tissue was observed. A virological test of throat and nasal swabs detected SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus RNA. Despite treatment, the patient died. Autopsy revealed signs of viral–bacterial pneumonia, a decaying cavity with purulent content, and diffuse destructive changes with hemorrhages. The cause of death of the patient was COVID-19, which caused bilateral viral–bacterial pneumonia complicated by the development of gangrene in the lower lobe of the right lung with abscess formation.