Recurrent septicaemia in a neutropenic patient with typhlitis.
We report a case where life threatening gram negative sepsis developed in a patient with CLL in association with post chemotherapy neutropenia on three occasions. Bacterial typhlitis or neutropenic enterocolitis, which is a well described entity of bowel necrosis seen in immunosuppressed patients, was demonstrated at colonoscopy and was the probable portal of entry of micro-organisms. After spontaneous resolution of the typhlitis, further chemotherapy has been given without recurrent sepsis. Typhlitis should be considered as a cause of recurrent septicaemia in neutropenic patients.
Sadullah
S
S
Department of Haematology, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, UK.
Nagesh
K
K
Johnston
D
D
McCullough
J B
JB
Murray
F
F
Cachia
P G
PG
D004760:Enterocolitis / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D015451:Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009503:Neutropenia / Q000150:complications*; D012008:Recurrence; D018805:Sepsis / Q000209:etiology*