Non-traumatic gas gangrene presenting as left buttock and thigh pain in a patient with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer

BMJ Case Rep. 2010 Oct 28:2010:bcr0320102839. doi: 10.1136/bcr.03.2010.2839.

Abstract

We report a case of Clostridium septicum myonecrosis in a patient with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer receiving palliative chemotherapy. This is a rare but important differential diagnosis in patients with known malignancy presenting with acute pain. It is critical that the diagnosis is considered and confirmed promptly due to rapid deterioration and a potentially fatal outcome in the absence of aggressive treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Buttocks
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / complications*
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / pathology
  • Clostridium septicum / isolation & purification*
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Gas Gangrene / diagnosis*
  • Gas Gangrene / etiology
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / complications*
  • Lung Neoplasms / pathology
  • Middle Aged
  • Musculoskeletal Pain / etiology*
  • Thigh