Tularemia With Necrotizing Mediastinal Lymph Nodes

Tularemia, also known as rabbit fever, is a rare zoonotic infectious disease transmitted by air, arthropods, food, and water caused by bacteria of the genus Francisella. Because of its multiple transmission routes and low infectious doses, Francisella tularensis is listed as a biological weapon. In rare cases, tularemia can lead to pneumonia and necrotizing mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes. Herein we present the case of a 43-year-old female patient with an isolated mediastinal mass, initially thought to be a solid tumor. Further investigations led to the diagnosis of tularemia. The patient’s medical history, treatment, and follow-up care are described.