Abstract
The first case, a 62-year-old man was admitted with fever, dyspnea and delirium. Chest X-ray film revealed bilateral pneumonia and laboratory findings disclosed hepatic and muscular injury. Echocardiogram showed pericardial effusion. Three months before admission, the patient purchased parakeets and almost all of them died within a few months. Psittacosis was suspected and doxycycline was administered immediately. However, respiratory failure progressed and mechanical ventilation was instituted. DIC developed but was successfully treated with heparin. Chest X-ray findings improved and weaning from the respirator was successfully done on the 41st hospital day. Psittacosis CF titers increased from 1:64 to 1:256, confirming the diagnosis of psittacosis. The second case, the wife of case 1, 53 years old, had suffered from fever for 10 days when her husband was admitted. Because the same disease was suspected, she was examined carefully and pneumonia was disclosed. Liver function was also impaired. Treatment with doxycycline was successful. Psittacosis CF titers increased from 1:128 to 1:256.
