title: Intravascular Hemolysis and Septicemia due to Clostridium perfringens Emphysematous Cholecystitis and Hepatic Abscesses.
abstract: Context. Clostridium perfringens septicemia is often associated with translocation from the gastrointestinal or gastrourinary tract and occurs in patients who have malignancy or are immunocompromised. Clostridium perfringens septicemia is usually fatal without early identification, source control, and antibiotics. Case. We present a case of a 65-year-old female with Clostridium perfringens septicemia secondary to emphysematous cholecystitis, with progression to hepatic abscesses. Conclusion. Septicemia secondary to Clostridium perfringens is generally fatal if not detected early. Source control with surgery or percutaneous drainage and early antibiotic therapy is imperative. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy may reduce mortality. Clinicians caring for patients with sepsis and intravascular hemolysis must have Clostridium perfringens septicemia on their differential diagnosis with a low threshold for starting antibiotics and pursuing source of infection.
authors.affiliation: Internal Medicine Residency of Spokane, University of Washington Medical School, Spokane, WA 99204, USA.
authors.forename: Justin
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Cochrane
authors.affiliation: Internal Medicine Residency of Spokane, University of Washington Medical School, Spokane, WA 99204, USA.
authors.forename: Lacie
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Bland
authors.affiliation: Internal Medicine Residency of Spokane, University of Washington Medical School, Spokane, WA 99204, USA.
authors.forename: Mary
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Noble