ARDS in a patient with homozygous beta-thalassemia due to yersiniosis

We report a case of Yersinia enterocolitica sepsis syndrome and the acute r espiratory distress syndrome in a chronically transfused adolescent with be ta-thalassemia. This manifestation of serious Y. enterocolitica infection h as not previously been reported. Dyspnea hypoxia, and fever were the princi pal features of the clinical presentation. The acute onset of respiratory s ymptoms occurred after appendectomy. Chest radiographs revealed frontal bil ateral infiltrates and alveolar consolidation to three quadrants. Y. entero colitica was identified from blood and intraoperative appendix cultures. Al though there was no need for mechanical ventilation, a remarkable persisten ce of clinical and X-ray findings was noted. Therapy with high levels of ox ygen, and intravenous amikacin and piperacillin/tazobactam led to a favorab le outcome.