Empyema in a Patient with Schizophrenia Using Clozapine: A Case Report

Schizophrenia is associated with a high risk of thoracic infections and pneumonia. The use of atypical antipsychotics clozapine may also increase the risk of pulmonary infection. However, psychotic patients are less likely to report physical symptoms, and these dangerous conditions may go undetected. In this case report, we present 47-year-old woman with schizophrenia who had been using clozapine and did not complain of respiratory symptoms. After admission, she was diagnosed with streptococcus intermedius empyema. Although empyema has a high mortality rate, thanks to the timely admission and proper diagnosis, the patient recovered after 3 weeks of medical and surgical treatment.

Automated summary

Schizophrenia patients using clozapine may have an increased risk of pulmonary infection, but they are less likely to report physical symptoms. In this case report, a schizophrenia patient using clozapine did not complain of respiratory symptoms initially, but was later diagnosed with streptococcus intermedius empyema. Thanks to timely admission and proper treatment, the patient fully recovered.