Giant necrotizing cavities in a young individual with septic shock

Abstract A 30-year-old Moroccan man presented to our institution with general deterioration and respiratory symptoms evolving over several months. Shortly after admission, he developed progressive respiratory failure, septic shock and cardiomyopathy. A diagnosis of severe Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection was made. Despite appropriate antimicrobial therapy, aggressive respiratory and hemodynamic support, the patient had a fulminant course and died of refractory shock. Chest computed tomography scan showed extensive parenchymal destruction and multiple necrotizing cavities. Here, we review the causes leading to giant necrotizing pulmonary cavities and discuss mycobacterium-related septic shock.