title: Pneumonitis of unclear etiology in the surgical intensive care unit leading to the demise of an elderly, immunocompromised woman.
abstract: Multiple system organ failure, likely an expression of a dysregulated immune system, is a common cause of death in the surgical intensive care unit (ICU). While investigational modalities of therapy are on the horizon, current treatment primarily consists of supportive care. The case of an elderly woman who was admitted to the surgical ICU after a celiac axis-superior mesenteric artery bypass, is presented. Her course was complicated by Influenza-B pneumonitis, multiple system organ failure, and, ultimately, death. The course, pathophysiology, and therapeutic modalities involved in this syndrome are discussed. Additionally, the natural history of influenza infection is reviewed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville 32610-0254.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Harward
authors.forename: C L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Biedermann
authors.forename: T R
authors.initials: TR
authors.lastname: Harward
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Layon
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D002445:Celiac Artery / Q000601:surgery; D003422:Critical Care; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016867:Immunocompromised Host; D009981:Influenza B virus; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D017538:Mesenteric Artery, Superior / Q000601:surgery; D008641:Mesenteric Vascular Occlusion / Q000601:surgery; D009976:Orthomyxoviridae Infections; D011024:Pneumonia, Viral / Q000382:microbiology*