We herein report an autopsy case of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) with disseminated intravascular coagulation and multiple cerebral infarctions induced by Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis in an 84-year-old male. Pathological examination revealed sepsis with hemophagocytosis in the reticular system and intravascular bacteria in multiple organs, originating from bacterial necrotizing fasciitis of the lower extremities. The brain MRI findings showed a diffusion weighted imaging-fluid-attenuated inversion-recovery mismatch, whereas the pathology was almost normal, thus supporting a hyperacute phase of cerebral infarction. The findings in this case help to elucidate the pathogenesis of STSS and develop appropriate treatment strategies.
Keywords: Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis; autopsy; group G streptococcus; necrotizing fasciitis; streptococcal toxic shock syndrome.