Multiorgan fatal gas gangrene in the setting of clostridium septicum bacteremia: a case report

Abstract

Gas gangrene can be traumatic or spontaneous, and most cases of spontaneous gas gangrene are caused by clostridium septicum. Clostridium septicum gas gangrene is a life-threatening disease with a high mortality of 80% in the literature, which demands a prompt diagnosis and management. We report a case of 86-year-old man with a history of myelodysplastic syndrome and diabetes mellitus who presented with non-specific symptoms that rapidly deteriorated to shock. Imaging showed extensive gas gangrene involving multiple organs and tissues. Despite aggressive supportive treatment, the patient’s condition deteriorated rapidly and passed away within 18 hours of the onset of his initial symptoms. His blood culture grew clostridium septicum. Postmortem autopsy confirmed the findings noted on imaging including, multiorgan gas gangrene, as well as identified a benign colonic ulcer that was likely the source of the infection. Our case represented the first reported human case of multiorgan C. septicum gas gangrene. It highlights the clinical, radiological, and pathological features along with the fatal and rapid deteriorating nature of such a condition.