Case Reports in Infectious Diseases (Jan 2016)

A Rare Case of Disseminated Pyogenic Gonococcal Infection in an Immunocompetent Woman

  • Iordanis Romiopoulos,
  • Athina Pyrpasopoulou,
  • Anna Varouktsi,
  • Elisavet Simoulidou,
  • Konstantina Kontopoulou,
  • Ekaterini Karantani,
  • Vivian Georgopoulou,
  • Konstantinos Kitsios,
  • Apostolos Mamopoulos,
  • Charalampos Antachopoulos,
  • Asterios Karagiannis,
  • Emmanuel Roilides

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/9629761
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 2016

Abstract

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We present a case of previously healthy, immunocompetent, 41-year-old woman who developed systemic inflammatory response syndrome secondary to Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteremia. Clinical course was complicated by the simultaneous formation of multiple muscular abscesses, epidural abscess, and septic spondylodiscitis. The patient responded well to prolonged ceftriaxone treatment and was released 10 weeks after initial admission. Spinal lesions and/or pyomyositis individually constitute rare complications of disseminated gonococcal infection. This case, combining both manifestations, is to our knowledge unique. Apropos, diversity of the clinical presentation, and therapeutic challenges for this historical disease are discussed for the practicing physician.