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Clostridium perfringens septicemia with thrombophlebitis of the portal vein

D H Shin1, J H Park, K W Yoon

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Chonnam National University, Medical School, 8 Hak-Dong, Dong-Ku, Gwangju 501-757, Korea. dhyeon@chonnam.ac.kr

The Journal of Infection
|June 12, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Clostridium perfringens septicemia can cause portal vein thrombosis (pylephlebitis), potentially linked to gastric ulcers. Antibiotic treatment alone showed partial thrombus resolution, suggesting bacterial involvement in clot formation.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Vascular Surgery

Background:

  • Portal vein thrombosis (pylephlebitis) is a serious condition often associated with intra-abdominal infection or malignancy.
  • Clostridium perfringens is a gram-positive bacterium known to cause severe infections, including sepsis.

Observation:

  • A patient presented with Clostridium perfringens septicemia and pylephlebitis, likely stemming from an undiagnosed gastric ulcer.
  • Imaging revealed thrombosis extending from the superior mesenteric vein to the main portal vein.

Findings:

  • Partial resolution of the portal vein thrombus was observed following antibiotic therapy for Clostridium perfringens bacteremia.
  • The findings suggest that Clostridium perfringens bacteremia may play a role in enhancing thrombus formation in the portal vein.

Implications:

  • The concurrent presence of Clostridium perfringens septicemia and pylephlebitis necessitates a thorough investigation for underlying intra-abdominal infectious sources.
  • Early recognition and treatment of Clostridium perfringens infections are crucial in managing complex cases of portal vein thrombosis.

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