# Multifocal Disseminated Methicillin‐Sensitive Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia With Complex Multiorgan Involvement: A Case Report

**Authors:** Cameron Vicknair, Linda Akbarshahi, Tahani Dakkak, Leslie David

PMC · DOI: 10.1155/crdi/6645912 · Case Reports in Infectious Diseases · 2026-01-30

## TL;DR

A 61-year-old man developed widespread MSSA infection affecting multiple organs, requiring extensive surgical and medical treatment.

## Contribution

Highlights the aggressive and multiorgan complications of disseminated MSSA bacteremia through a detailed case report.

## Key findings

- MSSA bacteremia led to spinal, cardiac, and musculoskeletal abscesses in a single patient.
- Multidisciplinary treatment including surgery and antibiotics was crucial for recovery.
- Early imaging and intervention improved clinical outcomes in this complex case.

## Abstract

Methicillin‐sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) bacteremia is a bloodstream infection that can lead to a wide range of complications, from localized skin infections to serious and systemic conditions. While MSSA remains susceptible to beta‐lactam antibiotics, its potential for hematogenous dissemination poses significant clinical challenges impacting multiple organ systems and causing substantial morbidity.

We present the case of a 61‐year‐old male patient who developed disseminated MSSA bacteremia following suspected soft tissue inoculation events. His clinical course was complicated by spinal epidural abscess, right atrial thrombus, chest wall abscess, septic arthritis, prevertebral abscess, left psoas abscess, and gluteal abscess. He underwent T6 laminectomy with evacuation of the epidural abscess, debridement of the chest wall abscess, percutaneous thromboembolectomy, and multiple incisions and drainage procedures. A multidisciplinary approach was essential in achieving clinical improvement.

This case underscores the aggressive potential of disseminated MSSA bacteremia to spread beyond its initial source, resulting in widespread organ involvement. Early recognition through imaging, prompt source control, and targeted antimicrobial therapy are critical in managing the complex sequelae of this condition.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** spinal epidural abscess (MONDO:0005752), septic arthritis (MONDO:0004471), abscess (MONDO:0005227)
- **Species:** Staphylococcus aureus (taxon 1280)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** bacteremia (MESH:D016470), septic arthritis (MESH:D001170), abscess (MESH:D000038), epidural abscess (MESH:D020802), psoas abscess (MESH:D016659), thrombus (MESH:D013927), skin infections (MESH:D007239), Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia (MESH:D013203), bloodstream infection (MESH:D018805)
- **Chemicals:** Methicillin (MESH:D008712), beta-lactam (MESH:D047090)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606], Staphylococcus aureus (species) [taxon 1280]

## Full text

_Full body text omitted from this summary view._ Fetch the complete paper as Markdown: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12856691/full.md

## Figures

2 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12856691/full.md

## References

22 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12856691/full.md

---
Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12856691