Fatal Clostridium septicum myonecrosis.
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.
Hiew
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University of Melbourne Department of Radiology, Austin Hospital, Heidelberg, Vic., Australia.
Silberstein
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Hennessy
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D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D003015:Clostridium Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D005738:Gas Gangrene / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D016867:Immunocompromised Host; D007951:Leukemia, Myeloid / Q000150:complications; D009135:Muscular Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology; D009336:Necrosis