Case report shows septic pulmonary embolism arising from odontogenic infection, highlighting the need for early imaging.
Background Septic pulmonary embolism (SPE) is a rare complication of infection. Odontogenic sources are uncommon and easily overlooked, especially when typical symptoms are absent. Case Presentation A 43‐year‐old man with poorly controlled diabetes presented with mandibular swelling and trismus without fever or respiratory symptoms. CT revealed a masticator space abscess and multiple peripheral cavitary pulmonary nodules consistent with SPE. Blood cultures were negative, but abscess culture identified Streptococcus constellatus and Parvimonas micra . Surgical drainage and intravenous antibiotics achieved full recovery. Conclusion SPE can arise from odontogenic infection even without classic symptoms, requiring early imaging and multidisciplinary care.
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Hiraga et al. (2026) studied this question.
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