Importance of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in therapy for legionella pneumonia in patient with hairy-cell leucosis

Abstract

Clinical observation of the patient with legionella pneumonia which developed in the setting of hairy-cell leukosis, required use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for controlling life-threatening hypoxia is presented. Active diagnostic approach for identification of the etiologic agent (Legionella pneumophila, Acinetobacter baumannii) that caused pneumonia, allowed to choose an optimum set of antibacterial agents and medicines for specific therapy of hemoblastosis (BRAFV600E mutation and use of Zelboraf). After correction of respiratory insufficiency and discontinue the patient from ECMO, we could reach hematologic remission and transfer the patient to the Institute of Hematology for further treatment.

Keywords

• ecmo
• hairy-cell leukosis
• legionellosis
• legionella pneumonia
• acute respiratory failure
• zelboraf