Multi-organ failure with necrotic skin lesions due to infection with Chlamydia psittaci

Presented is a patient with dyspnea and painful ulcers finally resulting in multi-organ failure. A detailed history resulted in positive PCR testing for Chlamydia psittaci. We emphasize the importance of a definitive history in establishing the correct diagnosis. When clinicians observe dyspnea with multiorgan failure, they should be aware of psittacosis. (c) 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of International Society for Infectious Diseases. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

Automated summary

A patient with dyspnea and painful ulcers developed multi-organ failure and tested positive for Chlamydia psittaci. Emphasizing the importance of a detailed history in establishing the correct diagnosis. Clinicians should be aware of psittacosis when observing dyspnea with multiorgan failure.