Hx
     Not a common cause of CA-PNA
     Generally occurs in the elderly, smokers, alcoholics, and those with other co-morbidities
Sx
     Can cause severe pneumonia, especially in the elderly or debilitated host
Dx
     Clasically associated with
          Bulging fissure on CXR
          Currant-jelly sputum
Path
     Leads to a necrotizing, hemorrhagic process responsible for the classic "currant-jelly" sputum
     Abscess formation, empyema and bacteremia are frequent complications, and the mortality rate is high

Content on this page has not been checked for accuracy. The author's credentials have not been confirmed. Always use multiple peer-reviewed scholarly sources and good clinical judgement in your decision making.

The Compendium platform was created by David Kwinter, MD, CCFP(EM).

Dr. Kwinter is a Cayman Family Doctor. He runs a Family Medicine Clinic at Cayman Medical in George Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands.