Hepatic Abscess With Clostridium perfringens Bacteremia Leading to Hemolysis: A Case Report

We describe the case of a 64-year-old male who presented with acute acalculous cholecystitis complicated by the formation of a hepatic abscess. Blood cultures subsequently grew Clostridium perfringens, and culture of the aspirated hepatic abscess fluid confirmed its presence. The clinical course was further complicated by severe intravascular hemolysis, leading to acute renal failure that required temporary hemodialysis. Management included the prompt initiation of broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotic therapy in conjunction with image-guided percutaneous drainage of the hepatic abscess. C. perfringens sepsis is associated with high morbidity and mortality, primarily due to its rapid progression and toxin-mediated hemolysis. This case underscores the importance of early recognition, aggressive antimicrobial therapy, and timely source control to optimize clinical outcomes.