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Recurrent crepitant cellulitis caused by Clostridium perfringens

Penelope Bryant1, Jonathan Carapetis, Jan Matussek

  • 1Paediatric Infectious Disease Unit, Department of General Medicine, Royal Children's Hospital, Victoria, Australia.

The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
|January 1, 2003
PubMed

Insights

A 13-year-old boy experienced extensive subcutaneous emphysema after a knee injury. This case distinguishes clostridial crepitant cellulitis from gas gangrene, emphasizing prolonged treatment needs.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Surgical Pathology

Background:

  • Clostridium perfringens is an anaerobic bacterium known to cause serious infections.
  • Subcutaneous emphysema, the presence of air in subcutaneous tissues, can result from various etiologies.

Observation:

  • A previously healthy 13-year-old male presented with extensive subcutaneous emphysema of the lower limb following a penetrating knee injury.
  • Clostridium perfringens was identified as the causative agent isolated from the wound site.

Findings:

  • Despite initial surgical debridement and antibiotic therapy, the patient experienced recurrence of emphysema.
  • Prolonged antibiotic treatment was necessary to manage the persistent infection and emphysema.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of differentiating clostridial crepitant cellulitis from the more rapidly progressive gas gangrene.
  • Recognizing clostridial crepitant cellulitis is crucial for appropriate and prolonged management strategies in penetrating trauma cases.

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