Takanosu T, Izawa Y, Yonekawa C, Mato T.
Clostridium perfringens-induced liver abscess with severe haemolysis.
BMJ Case Rep 2024;
17:e260800. [PMID:
38782436 DOI:
10.1136/bcr-2024-260800]
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Abstract
Clostridium perfringens is notorious for causing skin and soft tissue infections and food poisoning. Rarely, C. perfringens infections are associated with severe haemolysis, with a mortality rate of >80%. A previously healthy man in his 70s who presented with fever as his chief symptom was promptly admitted to a regional core hospital. Over the next 3 hours, shock and multiple organ failure ensued, leading to referral to our hospital for intensive care. We suspected a liver abscess caused by C. perfringens infection with haemolysis, findings of severe haemolysis and a liver mass with gas production that appeared within a few hours. Though surgical drainage was contemplated, low blood pressure resulted in death within 3 hours of arrival at our hospital. The next day, a blood culture confirmed C. perfringens, proving the diagnosis. Improving patient outcomes requires increased awareness of the disease and early detection.
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