Mycotic aneurysm presenting as Pancoast's syndrome in an injection drug user

Ann Emerg Med. 1999 Oct;34(4 Pt 1):546-9. doi: 10.1016/s0196-0644(99)80060-2.

Abstract

Injection drug users frequently present to emergency departments with fever. A careful history and physical examination with attention to anatomic localization of symptoms and signs are often necessary to unmask unusual underlying medical conditions. We report a case of a woman with recent injection drug use who presented with fever, a palpable neck mass, and Pancoast's syndrome. She had been seen recently at the ED of another hospital and discharged with oral antibiotics for presumed cellulitis. A mycotic aneurysm of the subclavian artery causing Pancoast's syndrome was later diagnosed by using computed tomography and angiography. A high index of suspicion for anatomically localized infective processes should always be maintained with febrile injection drug users.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aneurysm, Infected / complications
  • Aneurysm, Infected / diagnosis*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Pancoast Syndrome / etiology*
  • Streptococcal Infections / complications
  • Streptococcal Infections / diagnosis*
  • Subclavian Artery*
  • Substance Abuse, Intravenous*