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Pseudomembranous colitis due to Clostridium difficile as a cause of perineal necrotising fasciitis

Thibault Duburcq1, Erika Parmentier-Decrucq, Julien Poissy

  • 1Service d'Urgence Respiratoire, Réanimation Médicale et Medecine Hyperbare, Université de Lille II et Centre Hospitalier et Universitaire de Lille, Lille, France.

BMJ Case Reports
|January 25, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Pseudomembranous colitis can rarely cause perineal necrotising fasciitis in immunosuppressed patients. Prompt identification is crucial for appropriate treatment, as standard surgical and antibiotic approaches may be unsuitable.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Surgery

Background:

  • Perineal necrotising fasciitis is a severe soft tissue infection.
  • Pseudomembranous colitis is typically associated with antibiotic use.
  • Immunosuppression is a known risk factor for severe infections.

Observation:

  • A rare case of perineal necrotising fasciitis was observed.
  • The patient had a history of immunosuppression.
  • Pseudomembranous colitis was identified as the underlying cause.

Findings:

  • Pseudomembranous colitis can be an uncommon etiology for perineal necrotising fasciitis.
  • This association is particularly noted in immunosuppressed individuals.
  • Standard therapeutic strategies may require modification.

Implications:

  • Early diagnosis of pseudomembranous colitis is vital for managing perineal necrotising fasciitis.
  • Surgical interventions may differ from typical necrotising fasciitis management.
  • Antibiotic choices warrant careful consideration due to potential adverse effects in pseudomembranous colitis.

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