Emphysematous Gastritis in a Transplant Recipient With Clostridium ventriculi Infection

Abstract

Clostridium ventriculi is a rare infection in poorly controlled diabetic patients with a history of gastroparesis. We present the first documented case in a transplant recipient, who underwent a simultaneous liver kidney transplant. Computed tomography showed emphysematous gastritis, endoscopy revealed gastric necrosis, and microscopy confirmed the diagnosis. Operative intervention was high risk, given the previous liver transplant. Antibiotics and proton pump inhibitor treatment with repeat endoscopy at 4 days showed resolution of gastric necrosis and elimination of microscopic evidence of infection. Combination antibiotic and proton pump inhibitor therapy may be an effective treatment for this rare, life-threatening infection.