Aquarism: An Innocent Leisure Activity?

Abstract

cytosis and a mild increase of the lactate dehydrogenase plasma level. The chest x-rays on admission were normal. Because of the further worsening of the respiratory failure, a CT scan of the chest was performed (day 2). This showed similar changes in all subjects consisting of zones of patchy, pleural-based consolidation at both lung bases ( fig. 1 ). On the second day, fever persisted and inflammatory parameters rose further (C-reactive protein to 193.3 mg/l, procalcitonin to 12.82 ng/ml and leukocytosis to 27.6 ! 10 9 /l). Although the criteria for systemic inflammatory response syndrome were fulfilled, antibiotic treatment had been withheld in consideration of the low likelihood of bacterial infection. A pulmonary function test (day 3) showed a restrictive ventilatory pattern and a normal diffusion capacity ( fig. 2 ). Case Report