Complications associated with severe invasive streptococcal syndrome.

Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal sepsis may cause life-threatening disease. We describe a child with severe invasive streptococcal syndrome in whom severe respiratory failure and pulmonary pneumatoceles required extracorporeal life support. Physicians should be aware of the full spectrum of pathologic changes and life-threatening complications caused by group A beta-streptococcus.