Effects of a pulmonary rehabilitation program on exercise capacity, muscle oxygenation, and respiratory and peripheral muscle strength, in a patient with subphrenic abscesses: A case report.
Başak Kavalcı Kol, Başak Çiğdem Karaçay
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Case in brief
A previously healthy 16-year-old male developed a subphrenic abscess with pneumonia and pleural effusion. Despite completing medical treatment and leaving hospital, he continued to experience dyspnea and fatigue at rest and with activity, alongside respiratory and functional limitations. Pulmonary rehabilitation was initiated. After the program, functional and upper-extremity exercise capacity, quadriceps muscle oxygen saturation (from 16% to 20%), respiratory muscle strength (MIP 31 cmH₂O; MEP 28 cmH₂O), and peripheral muscle strength improved; perceived dyspnea and fatigue decreased.
What made this case unusual
Persistent dyspnea, fatigue, and functional impairment remained after medical treatment of the abscess and its pulmonary complications, prompting pulmonary rehabilitation in an adolescent.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
Respiratory and functional limitations may persist after medical treatment of a subphrenic abscess with pulmonary complications; this case describes improvement in symptoms and measured capacity following pulmonary rehabilitation.