Septic Pulmonary Embolism Associated with Hemodialysis Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infection

Abstract

The most common predisposing factor of septic pulmonary embolisms is the presence of an infected right atrial thrombus. Rarely, it may occur as a complication of catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI). The usual presentation is with fever, chest pain, and variable degree of dyspnea. The condition warrants prompt removal of the catheter in combination with systemic antibiotics. The most common organism reported to cause septic pulmonary embolism is Staphylococcus aureus followed by streptococcus, and rarely, Gram-negative bacilli. We present a case of septic pulmonary embolism in an adolescent on maintenance hemodialysis through a right internal jugular tunneled cuffed catheter in whom the catheter tip thrombus was associated with CRBSI due to Esherichia coli.