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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
Summary
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.