Abstract
Gas gangrene is a rare, life-threatening deep skin infection typically related to contaminated wounds, although it may occur without injury. Non-traumatic gas gangrene due to Clostridium spp. is most commonly caused by Clostridium septicum. We present the case of a patient who expired of atraumatic gas gangrene due to Clostridium septicum. C. septicum infection is rapidly progressive and is associated with colorectal cancer and diabetes mellitus. We emphasize that it is important to diagnose and treat patients with gas gangrene by early recognition and aggressive debridement.
Highlights
Necrotizing soft tissue infection is a serious bacterial infection involving dermis, subcutaneous tissue, fascia, or muscle
We present the case of a patient who expired of atraumatic gas gangrene due to Clostridium septicum
We reported on a patient of non-traumatic gas gangrene due to C. septicum with colon cancer revealed by autopsy
Summary
Necrotizing soft tissue infection is a serious bacterial infection involving dermis, subcutaneous tissue, fascia, or muscle. The objective of this report is to promote awareness in the emergency medical care setting of patients with non-traumatic gas gangrene due to C. septicum. A 73-year-old Japanese man with well controlled type II diabetes mellitus and hypertension presented to our emergency department with a complaint of a 2-day history of left upper arm pain and a 4-hour history of left lower back pain. He had no history of trauma or surgery. This patient had had diabetes mellitus since 13 years prior to admission He was treated with α-glucosidase inhibitor (Voglibose 0.6 mg/day).
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