Disseminated intravascular coagulation in Fusobacterium necrophorum septicemia

A previously healthy 42-year-old man developed, after a neglected tonsillitis, a severe Fusobacterium necrophorum septicemia with disseminated intravascular coagulation. Peripheral, painful, cyanotic and gangrenous lesions appeared on toes, external ears and nose tip. The patient survived. Consumption coagulopathy associated with tonsillitis should suggest F. necrophorum infection. Growth of these bacteria in blood cultures is slow and confirmation of the infection may thus be delayed.