Fatal Clostridium septicum myonecrosis.

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.