3D Printed Lung Staphylococcus Aureus Abscesses

3D Printed Lung Staphylococcus Aureus Abscesses Clinical History A 55-year old female presents with severe dyspnoea, a productive cough and oral candidiasis. She is immunosuppressed with a history of rheumatoid arthritis being treated with steroids and cyclophosphamide. Sputum cultures grew staphylococcus aureus. She was commenced on appropriate therapy but died shortly after admission. Pathology The right lung has been bisected. There are multiple irregular abscess cavities visible. The largest of these, in the apex of the lower lobe, measures 4 x 3 cm in diameter. At the apex of the upper lobe, there is another irregular abscess cavity which is less obvious, approximately 3 x 2 cm in diameter surrounded by a zone of consolidation. A number of small abscesses are also seen. Patchy consolidation is present in the middle lobe. Numerous bronchi contain and are obstructed by plugs of pus. Cultures taken from the specimen grew Staph. aureus. This is an examp