A Rare Complication of Legionella Pneumonia: Sensorineural Hearing Loss.

Sensorineural hearing loss, a rare complication in Legionella pneumonia, is said to be attributable to the production of endoctoxin-like substances by Legionella species and their immune-mediated effect. A 43-year-old male patient presented with complaints of fever, chills, wheezing and hearing loss for the past five days. Bilateral widespread ground glass densities and consolidation, including air bronchogram, were detected in a thorax computed tomography. Bilateral moderate sensorineural hearing loss was detected upon a pure audio audiometry. Legionella pneumonia was diagnosed based on the presence of the Legionella antigen in the urine. Clinical and radiological improvement was achieved with fluoroquinolone and corticosteroid treatment. This case is presented to literature as a rare but significant complication of Legionella pneumonia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]