Deadly combination: Clostridium septicum and colorectal malignancy.
- Resource Type
- Academic Journal
- Authors
- Cullinane C; General Surgery, University Hospital Limerick, Dooradoyle, Limerick, Ireland.; Earley H; General Surgery, University Hospital Limerick, Dooradoyle, Limerick, Ireland.; Tormey S; General Surgery, University Hospital Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.
- Source
- Publisher: BMJ Pub. Group Country of Publication: England NLM ID: 101526291 Publication Model: Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1757-790X (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 1757790X NLM ISO Abbreviation: BMJ Case Rep Subsets: MEDLINE
- Subject
- Language
- English
Gas gangrene is a life-threatening, necrotising soft tissue infection. Colorectal malignancy-associated Clostridiumsepticum is a rare cause of gas gangrene. This case outlines an initial presentation of colonic malignancy as gas gangrene from C.septicum infection.A 69-year-old man presented with abdominal pain, vomiting and constipation. Abdominal X-ray revealed dilated small bowel loops. Lactate was elevated. A diagnosis of small bowel obstruction was made. Subsequent CT revealed caecal thickening and subcutaneous emphysema overlying the left flank. Clinically, he became haemodynamically unstable. Examination revealed crepitus overlying the left flank in keeping with gas gangrene. The patient required immediate surgical debridement. Tissue specimens cultured C.septicum Following a complicated postoperative period, he was transferred to the plastic surgery team for further tissue debridement and reconstruction. A colonoscopy was later performed which was suspicious for malignancy. Colorectal multidisciplinary team discussion is awaited.
Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared.
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