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Updated: May 24, 2026
06:51
Cefoperazone-treated Mouse Model of Clinically-relevant Clostridium difficile Strain R20291
Published on: December 10, 2016
Empyema caused by Clostridium difficile
D A Hudson1, A P Gibb, M J Gill
1University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta.
Summary
Extraintestinal Clostridium difficile infections are uncommon, typically linked to other health issues. This case highlights a rare instance of empyema caused by C. difficile aspiration in a patient with carcinoid syndrome.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Gastroenterology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Extraintestinal infections caused by Clostridium difficile are infrequently encountered in clinical practice.
- Such infections are often correlated with the presence of significant underlying medical conditions.
- Clostridium difficile is a bacterium primarily known for causing colitis.
Observation:
- A unique case involving a patient diagnosed with carcinoid syndrome and Clostridium difficile colitis was observed.
- The patient developed empyema, a condition characterized by the accumulation of pus in the pleural space.
- The empyema was attributed to the aspiration of Clostridium difficile.
Findings:
- This report details a rare case of empyema stemming from Clostridium difficile.
- The patient presented with both carcinoid syndrome and C. difficile colitis, complicating the clinical picture.
- The empyema was a direct consequence of aspirating C. difficile into the pleural space.
Implications:
- This case expands the understanding of potential extraintestinal manifestations of Clostridium difficile infections.
- It underscores the importance of considering C. difficile in the differential diagnosis of empyema, particularly in immunocompromised or critically ill patients.
- The association with carcinoid syndrome suggests a potential need for further investigation into specific risk factors or predispositions for such rare complications.
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