Septic shock secondary to disseminated coccidioidomycosis: case report




Gerardo F. Ramos, Servicio de Urgencias, Hospital Infantil del Estado de Sonora, Hermosillo, Son., México
M.ª Elisa Vásquez-Sandoval, Servicio de Urgencias, Hospital Infantil del Estado de Sonora, Hermosillo, Son., México
Rodrigo García-Pérez, Servicio de Infectología Pediátrica, Hospital Universitario Dr. José E. González, Monterrey, N.L.. México


Background: Coccidioidomycosis is an endemic infection in northern Mexico caused by Coccidioides immitis and Coccidioides posadasii. Its main manifestation is in the lungs, although approximately 1% may affect other organs, which is known as disseminated coccidioidomycosis. Rarely, these cases can present with septic shock. In pediatrics, this form of expression is understudied but has been associated with high mortality. Clinical case: We describe the case of a 16-year-old female who presented with an ulcerative lesion in the cervical region accompanied by fever and weight loss that had lasted 2 months. During her stay, she developed refractory septic shock combined with endocarditis and suffered multiorgan failure with a fatal outcome. Conclusions: This mycosis should be considered as a cause of septic shock in endemic areas where there is no specific etiology.



Keywords: Septic shock. Coccidioidomyocosis. Mycosis. Fungemia. Antifungal agents.