Unusual Infectious Metastases Secondary to Acupuncture Induced MSSA Septicemia

Abstract

We describe a rare case of methicillin-sensitive staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) septicemia with metastatic spread leading to pulmonary septic emboli, sub-capsular perinephric renal abscess, prostatic abscess, and intramuscular calf and gluteal abscess in a 48-year-old male with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus (Hemoglobin A1c of 15.2). The patient developed right lower extremity pain after a session of acupuncture followed by a three-week history of fevers, chills, abdominal pain, left flank pain, and urinary retention. Evaluation was negative for endocarditis, intracardiac shunt, intravenous drug usage, or immunodeficiency.

Keywords

• MSSA
• Acupuncture
• Septicemia
• subcapsular perinephric renal abscess
• abscess
• infectious metastases