ABSTRACT

Bronchiectasis as a cause of respiratory failure and septic shock are associated with high mortality. We report the case of a patient with an acute exacerbation due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa that produced severe respiratory failure and septic shock requiring management in the respiratory intensive care unit (RICU). The patient presented multiorgan failure and muscle weakness syndrome requiring prolonged ventilation and intensive rehabilitation. After a month in the RICU the patient was discharged, however she had to be admitted to the unit a week later by septic shock and respiratory failure. The patient died 48 hours after admission by irreversible septic shock. This case illustrates the pathophysiological changes and high short-term mortality in patients with bronchiectasis who require intensive care.

KEYWORDS

Infected bronchiectasis, septic shock.

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