Open AccessExtracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in fulminant blastomycosis in Germany
Author(s) -
Markus Resch,
Katrin Kurz,
Wulf Schneider-Brachert,
Kathrin Tintelnot,
Christoph Birner,
Thomas Schichtl,
Matthias Lubnow,
Christina Hart,
Clemens Jilek,
Simone Bertz,
Michael Hilker,
Günter A.J. Riegger,
Andreas Luchner,
Thomas Müller
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
bmj case reports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.231
H-Index - 26
ISSN - 1757-790X
DOI - 10.1136/bcr.07.2008.0392
Subject(s) - medicine , ards , extracorporeal membrane oxygenation , fulminant , intensive care medicine , blastomycosis , acute respiratory distress , pneumonia , differential diagnosis , respiratory failure , surgery , lung , pathology
In fulminant blastomycosis with multiorgan failure, the earliest diagnosis possible is crucial for successful treatment. If severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) develops, miniaturised veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) might provide a unique and efficacious possibility to prolong the time frame for diagnosis and the beginning of treatment. This is the first report on a case of fatal blastomycosis in Germany. It reminds us to add exotic infections to the differential diagnosis in patients with refractory pneumonia in the era of worldwide tourism.