Pseudogout as a Cause of Fever of Unknown Origin Following Staphylococcal Bacteremia in an Older Patient

Abstract

The causes of fevers in older adults are numerous and diverse, resulting in fevers of unknown origin that complicate the diagnosis process. Compared to young adults, older adults are characterized by comorbidities, aging-induced physiological changes, decreased homeostasis, reduced activities of daily living, and a diminished quality of life due to disease and aging. Thus, diverse perspectives are required to facilitate the accurate diagnosis of fever in older adults. In this study, we experienced a case of epidermal staphylococcal bacteremia of unknown cause with a persistent fever that eventually led to the diagnosis of cervical pseudogout. A 94-year-old bedridden woman visited our hospital with a chief complaint of persistent fever. She was diagnosed with cervical pseudogout after closely examining the prolonged fever following Staphylococcus epidermidis bacteremia. Noninfectious diseases are frequent causes of unexplained fever in older adults, and systemic inflammatory diseases, such as cervical pseudogout, should be considered during examination.

Migratory Deposition of Calcium Pyrophosphate in an Older Patient With Several Femoral Neck Implant Infection Episodes: A Case Report

“…Finally, the report advocates for the immediate initiation of infection treatment post-physical examination and reconsidering the potential for migratory pseudogout. This approach is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment [13,14]. It also highlights the importance of avoiding the inappropriate use of antibiotics, which can lead to antibiotic resistance and other complications [15].…”