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Clostridium septicum aortitis: A kiss of the devil
Author(s) -
Ranchal Purva,
Ferin Adam,
Gupta Rahul,
Malekan Ramin,
Goldberg Joshua,
Laskowski Igor,
El Khoury Marc Y.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
journal of cardiac surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.428
H-Index - 58
eISSN - 1540-8191
pISSN - 0886-0440
DOI - 10.1111/jocs.14402
Subject(s) - clostridium septicum , medicine , aortitis , occult , malignancy , bacteremia , surgery , radiology , antibiotics , pathology , aorta , alternative medicine , microbiology and biotechnology , biology
Abstract Background Clostridium septicum aortitis is a lethal infection. C. septicum has a strong association with an underlying malignancy, most commonly in the colon. Aim Early identification methods and management strategies of C. Septicum infection. Materials and Methods We present a 64‐year‐old man with aortic aneurysm and C. septicum bacteremia with unknown malignancy who passed away on the fourth day of hospitalization despite emergent endovascular intervention. Computed tomography showed periaortic gas which is the hallmark of infection. Discussion This case report highlights the need of prompt surgical treatment and its different modalities along with the early use of appropriate antibiotics due to the rapid spread of infection associated with high fatality. The authors also discuss the association of C. septicum aortitis with underlying occult malignancies. Conclusion Delay in identification and treatment of C. Septicum is associated with very high mortality rates.