Introduction:

This paper presents the first case of empyema necessitatis secondary to infection with Citrobacter freundii (according to the databases consulted), and one of the few reports of this pathology in Colombia.

Case presentation:

This is the case of a 26-year-old patient from a rural area, with a history of severe cognitive deficit, who was taken to the emergency department due to a clinical picture of 15 days of evolution consisting of neurological deterioration associated with asthenia, adynamia, fever and cough with purulent expectoration. On admission, a chest x-ray was taken, finding pneumonia of the middle lobe with associated pleural effusion, for which empirical antibiotic management was initiated. The patient presented clinical deterioration and appearance of right pectoral mass, so a computed tomography of the thorax was performed, revealing empyema necessitatis. Close drainage and culture of the collection were made, with negative mycobacteria culture and positive report for C. freundii. The patient received specific antibiotic treatment for 8 weeks, with complete improvement of his clinical condition.

Conclusion:

Besides being the first case of empyema necessitatis by C. freundii that has been reported, this case is important because of the low amount of reports on this pathology in Colombia, considering that its main cause is tuberculosis, which is endemic in the country.

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