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Clostridium septicum sepsis and its implications.
Muhammad Khalid1, Rajeka Lazarus, Ian C J W Bowler
1Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Oxford University Hospital, The John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK.
BMJ Case Reports
|September 11, 2012
Summary
Clostridium septicum bacteremia in an elderly patient signaled a return of colon cancer and led to a mycotic aneurysm. Prompt identification and treatment are crucial for managing this serious infection.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Colon cancer recurrence can present with subtle signs.
- Clostridium septicum bacteremia is a rare but serious complication.
- Mycotic aneurysms require urgent surgical intervention.
Observation:
- An elderly male with a history of colon cancer presented with symptoms suggestive of intra-abdominal infection.
- CT imaging revealed a colonic mass with perforation and an infra-renal aortic aneurysm.
- Blood cultures identified Clostridium septicum.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with multifocal colonic adenocarcinoma and an infected aortic aneurysm.
- Surgical intervention included drainage, anastomosis repair, aortic aneurysm resection, and graft replacement.
- Histopathology confirmed adenocarcinoma and Clostridium septicum infection.
Implications:
- Clostridium septicum bacteremia is strongly associated with underlying gastrointestinal malignancy.
- Early detection and management of C. septicum bacteremia are vital to prevent life-threatening complications like mycotic aneurysms.
- Microbiological identification of Clostridia from blood cultures is critical for appropriate patient care and outcomes.