Herpes Simplex Pneumonitis Presenting As Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome and Septic Shock

Overview

Journal Cureus

Specialty Biomedical Engineering

Date 2025 Jan 6

PMID 39759712

Authors

Ramakanth Pata

Bhanu Kosuru

Joanna Kristeva

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

We present a case report of a 72-year-old female with a history of stage III rectal adenocarcinoma undergoing chemotherapy who developed neutropenic sepsis and acute respiratory failure. The patient was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) due to worsening respiratory status and was subsequently diagnosed with disseminated herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection including acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This case highlights the challenges in diagnosing and managing HSV infection in critically ill patients and emphasizes the importance of early recognition and appropriate treatment in improving patient outcomes. This case underscores the significance of considering viral etiologies, such as HSV, in patients with unexplained respiratory symptoms presenting as ARDS.

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