Massive pulmonary gangrene: a severe complication of Klebsiella pneumonia

Can Med Assoc J. 1975 Jan 25;112(2):196-8.

Abstract

Massive pulmonary gangrene developed in two patients. Review of the literature reveals 10 other case reports of pulmonary gangrene complicating lobar pneumonia. Among the total of 12 patients whose cases have now been reported, all 4 patients who were treated nonsurgically died and the 8 who underwent surgical resection of the gangrenous lung survived. The present report emphasizes the necessity of early recognition and appropriate surgical treatment for a successful outcome.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cephalothin / therapeutic use
  • Cloxacillin / therapeutic use
  • Gangrene / drug therapy
  • Gangrene / etiology*
  • Gangrene / surgery
  • Gentamicins / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Kanamycin / therapeutic use
  • Klebsiella Infections / complications*
  • Klebsiella pneumoniae
  • Lung Diseases / drug therapy
  • Lung Diseases / etiology*
  • Lung Diseases / surgery
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pneumonectomy
  • Pneumonia, Pneumococcal / complications*

Substances

  • Gentamicins
  • Kanamycin
  • Cloxacillin
  • Cephalothin