Necrotizing Pneumonia With Extensive Lobar Cavitation

TL;DR

A young woman with severe pneumonia showed extensive lung cavitation, raising suspicion of tuberculosis despite initial antibiotic treatment.

Contribution

This case report highlights a rare presentation of necrotizing pneumonia with extensive lobar cavitation.

Findings

The patient's chest CT showed extensive left lung pneumonia with pleural effusion.

Repeat imaging revealed extensive lobar cavitations, suggesting tuberculosis.

Initial antibiotic treatment provided temporary improvement but the condition worsened.

Abstract

Pneumonia occupies one of the leading positions in morbidity and mortality worldwide. It is frequently categorized depending on the site of acquisition. Here, we present a case of a young woman who was admitted to the Emergency Department (ED) with cough, dyspnea, fever, and progressive worsening associated with palpitations and hypotension. An initial x-ray was followed by a computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest, which revealed signs of extensive left lung pneumonia with pleural effusion. Despite initial improvement after antibiotic treatment, the patient's condition declined. A repeat chest CT showed evidence of extensive lobar cavitations, leading to suspicion of tuberculosis.

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