Severe acute respiratory distress syndrome in a patient with AIDS successfully treated with veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: a case report and literature review.

CASE

Several successful uses of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for acute respiratory distress syndrome in patients with novel HIV/AIDS infection have been reported; however, the therapeutic keys have not always been discussed.A 47-year-old man was admitted with progressive shortness of breath. He was in respiratory failure with a PaO/FO ratio of 110.8 requiring intubation. Chest computed tomography showed diffuse ground glass opacities. An HIV infection was suspected, and a diagnosis of acute respiratory distress syndrome was made. Based on clinical indications, treatment for pneumonia and concomitant bacterial infection was started.

OUTCOME

Despite broad-spectrum antibiotics, the patient's oxygenation deteriorated, necessitating ECMO. After 19 days of ECMO therapy, the patient was successfully decannulated and was eventually discharged.

CONCLUSION

In acute respiratory distress syndrome in patients with HIV/AIDS refractory to treatment, ECMO should be considered. Post-ECMO antiretroviral therapy could improve outcomes.