Fatal Clostridium septicum myonecrosis

Australas Radiol. 1993 Nov;37(4):399-400. doi: 10.1111/j.1440-1673.1993.tb00107.x.

Abstract

A 20 year old leukaemic patient with neutropaenia secondary to chemotherapy, who developed overwhelming sepsis, myonecrosis, vascular occlusion and necrotizing enterocolitis due to Clostridium septicum infection is described. Plain abdominal radiographs and a computed tomography scan of the abdomen and pelvis showed gas in the retroperitoneal soft tissues. Clostridium septicum septicaemia has a recognized association with malignancy and neutropaenia and has a high mortality if not diagnosed and treated early. Computed tomography scanning of the abdomen, pelvis and head is advised in any patient with a positive C. septicum blood culture.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Adult
  • Clostridium Infections / diagnosis
  • Clostridium Infections / immunology
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Gas Gangrene / diagnosis*
  • Gas Gangrene / immunology
  • Humans
  • Immunocompromised Host
  • Leukemia, Myeloid / complications
  • Muscular Diseases / diagnosis
  • Muscular Diseases / immunology
  • Necrosis