
Compartment syndrome due to Capnocytophaga canimorsus infection: a case report
Author(s) -
Igeta Ryuhei,
Hsu HsiangChin,
Suzuki Michio,
Lefor Alan T.,
Tsukuda Jumpei,
Endo Takuro,
Tanii Rimi,
Taira Yasuhiko,
Fujitani Shigeki
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
acute medicine and surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2052-8817
DOI - 10.1002/ams2.474
Subject(s) - medicine , purpura fulminans , surgery , abdominal pain , capnocytophaga , bacteremia , microbiology and biotechnology , biology , antibiotics , genetics , bacteria
Background Purpura fulminans secondary to Capnocytophaga canimorsus ( C. canimorsus ) infection without a wound is rare and often misdiagnosed initially. We report a patient who died due to C. canimorsus bacteremia with purpura fulminans and acute compartment syndrome of all extremities. Care Presentation A 38‐year‐old Japanese man with a history of alcoholism presented with a 2‐day history of gastroenteritis. The chief complaints were abdominal pain and diarrhea, and he had abdominal tenderness. Laboratory findings showed multiple organ failure. On day 2, pain in the lower extremities associated with motor and sensory dysfunction developed. On day 3, purpura on the whole body spread to all extremities. All four extremities became rigid, and acute compartment syndrome developed. The patient died due to uncontrolled hyperkalemia and lactic acidosis. Conclusions Capnocytophaga canimorsus transmission can occur through licking or even close contact with animals when a risk factor of C. canimorsus infection, such as alcoholism, is present.