Primary abdominal gas gangrene: a report of two autopsy cases

Primary hepatic gas gangrene is a form of primary abdominal gas gangrene. The condition is caused by Clostridium perfringens, other clostridia, and non-clostridia bacterial species producing gas. Unlike classical gas gangrene or myonecrosis, the disease develops without a wound or a port of entry. Instead, gas-producing bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract colonize an underlying pathological process with foci of necrosis, producing excessive gas and spreading hematogenously to other organs. Herein we present two autopsy cases of primary hepatic gas gangrene diagnosed on autopsy, with the gross and histological changes that can be considered specific for this rare condition. Both patients had severe underlying liver disease-prone for this entity development. The gross changes in the cases are postmortem subcutaneous emphysema, skin bullae with pooled blood, pneumothorax, pneumoabdomen, abundant gas in the circulatory system, porous structure of the internal organs (tissue gas bubbles), and advanced tissue lysis, not corresponding to the post mortem time. Histology showed optically empty areas of varying size in the internal organs, which weave the structure of the organs and rod-shaped bacteria with scarcity or complete absence of inflammatory reaction.

Whole-genome sequencing and virulence characteristics of a community-acquired lower extremity emphysematous gangrene causing Klebsiella pneumoniae belonged to ST660 / 中华检验医学杂志

Objective:The whole-genome sequencing and virulence characteristics analysis of a Klebsiella pneumoniae isolate that caused lower limb gas gangrene were performed to provide a reference for the comprehensive understanding of molecular virulence characteristics of K. pneumoniae causing severe community-acquired infection. Methods:The patient was admitted to the emergency department for treatment on March 13, 2018.The main clinical symptoms of the patients were high fever, gas gangrene of the left lower limb, and diabetic ketoacidosis. The pus specimen was collected for the bacterial culture, isolates identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Hypermucoviscous phenotype was detected by string test. The whole genome of the isolate was sequenced and the multi-site sequence typing, capsular serotyping, plasmid characteristics, virulence and antimicrobial resistance genes of the isolate were analyzed. Plasmid curing and conjugation experiments were used to analyze plasmid characteristics. The virulence of the strain was assessed by serum killing and Galleria mellonella lethality assays. A two-sample t-test was used to compare the differences in the lethal dose of 50% (LD 50) between the tested strains and reference strains against the G. mellonella larvae. Results:K. pneumoniae strain KPN41053 was identified, it was only resistant to ampicillin and was negative for hypermucoviscous phenotype. Whole genome sequencing showed that the length of KPN41053 chromosome was 5 377 071 bp, belonging to ST660 type, and the capsular type was K16. A IncFIB(K)/HI1B virulence plasmid (207 506 bp) with a sequence that was highly similar to pLVPK was harbored by KPN41053. The plasmid carried a variety of virulence genes, among which rmpA and rmpA2 were pseudogenes. The plasmid could not be transferred horizontally by conjugation. The variation strain KPN41053_PC was obtained by plasmid curing. Serum killing analysis showed that KPN41053 was serum resistant (Grade 6), and KPN41053_PC was serum intermediately sensitive (Grade 3). The lgLD 50 of KPN41053 had no difference with that of the hypervirulent control strain (ST23-K1 type) ( t=0.32, P=0.765), and was significantly lower than that of KPN41053_PC ( t=5.97, P=0.004). Conclusions:KPN41053 was an atypical hypervirulent K. pneumoniae that belonged to ST660 but without a hypermucoviscous phenotype. The virulence plasmid harbored by KPN41053 was its key virulence factor. Hypervirulent K. pneumoniae can lead to community-acquired gas gangrene in diabetic patient, which deserves clinical attention.

Non-clostridial gas gangrene of a diabetic foot with COVID-19 infection

Gas gangrene is a manifestation of soft tissue infection by clostridial group of bacteria. Non-clostridial gas gangrene is uncommon and seen rarely in diabetics. In the era of COVID-19 pandemic where COVID-19 itself induces hyperglycemia non clostridial gas gangrene may arise due to altered immunity. We present a case of non clostridial gas gangrene of lower limb in a middle aged person who was not a known diabetic. A brief case report with review of literature is presented.

Gangrena de Fournier / Fournier's gangrene

Introducción: La gangrena de Fournier es una enfermedad infecciosa caracterizada por una fascitis necrotizante de evolución fulminante que afecta a la región perineal, genital o perianal, con una rápida progresión y alta letalidad. Objetivo: Describir la sintomatología del paciente y buena evolución, a pesar de varios factores de mal pronóstico. Caso clínico: Se trata de un paciente masculino de 77 años de edad, diabético e hipertenso, remitido a cuidados intensivos, desde el servicio de Urología, con el diagnóstico de gangrena de Fournier, descontrol metabólico y agudización de su enfermedad renal crónica. Conclusiones: Con el tratamiento médico quirúrgico intensivo y la utilización de oxigenación hiperbárica, tuvo una evolución favorable, hasta su egreso(AU)

Introduction: Fournier gangrene is an infectious disease characterized by a necrotizing fascitis of fulminant evolution that affects the perineal, genital or perianal region, with rapid progression and high lethality. Objective: To describe the patient symptomatology and good evolution, despite several factors of poor prognosis. Clinical case: 77-year-old male patient, diabetic and hypertensive, referred to intensive care, from the urology department, with the diagnosis of Fournier gangrene, metabolic decontrol and exacerbation of chronic kidney disease. Conclusions: With intensive surgical and medical treatment and the use of hyperbaric oxygenation, he had a favorable evolution, until his discharge(AU)

Clostridial diseases diagnosed in cattle from the South of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. A forty-year survey (1978-2018) and a brief review of the literature / Clostridioses diagnosticadas em bovinos no sul do Rio Grande do Sul. Uma pesquisa de quarenta anos (1978-2018) e breve revisão da literatura

Clostridial diseases are important causes of livestock losses in the southern Rio Grande do Sul. Since 1978 annual surveys conducted at the "Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico" of the "Universidade Federal de Pelotas" (LRD-UFPel) have shown that clostridial diseases represent 10.40% of the bacterial diseases diagnosed in cattle and 1.65% of all diseases diagnosis in cattle over a 40-year period. The purpose of this study is to review the clinical, epidemiological and pathological aspects of the clostridial diseases diagnosed in cattle from January 1978 to December 2018 at the LRD-UFPel in the hopes that it will constitute a useful guide for field veterinary practitioners and interested farmers. We assessed and review the necropsy protocols of 6,736 cattle; these necropsies were performed either by LRD-UFPel faculty or by field veterinary practitioners; 111 outbreaks (1.65%) were diagnosed as clostridial disease, distributed as follows: 35 outbreaks of tetanus, 34 of blackleg, 23 of bacillary hemoglobinuria, 11 of malignant edema (gas gangrene), and eight of botulism. Approximately 904, from a total of 42,480 cattle at risk, died in these outbreaks.(AU)

Clostridioses são doenças produzidas por alguma das espécies do gênero Clostridium e são importantes causas de perdas pecuárias no sul do Rio Grande do Sul. Pesquisas anuais realizadas no Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico da Faculdade de Veterinária da Universidade Federal de Pelotas (LRD-UFPel) desde 1978 demonstraram que as clostridioses representaram 11,1% das doenças bacterianas diagnosticadas em bovinos e 1,65% de todos os diagnósticos de doenças em bovinos ao longo de 40 anos. O objetivo deste estudo é revisar os aspectos clínicos, epidemiológicos e patológicos das clostridioses diagnosticadas de janeiro de 1978 a dezembro de 2018, pelo LRD/UFPel com a intenção de que esse trabalho possa servir de guia útil para os veterinários de campo e fazendeiros interessados. Foram avaliados e revisados os protocolos de necropsia de 6.736 bovinos; essas necropsias foram realizadas pelo pessoal do LRD/UFPel ou por veterinários de campo. Cento e quatro (1,16%) casos foram diagnosticados como clostridioses, distribuídos da seguinte forma: 35 surtos de tétano, 34 de carbúnculo sintomático, 23 de hemoglobinúria bacilar, 11 de edema maligno (gangrena gasosa) e oito de botulismo. Aproximadamente 904, de um total de 42.480 bovinos sob-risco, morreram nesses surtos.(AU)

Infección mortal por Clostridium perfringens con hemólisis tras quimioterapia en un adolescente / A fatal Clostridium perfringens infection with hemolysis after chemotherapy in an adolescent

La gangrena gaseosa, o mionecrosis clostridial, es una de las enfermedades infecciosas más graves, y se caracteriza por la rápida y progresiva destrucción de los tejidos blandos profundos y la producción de gas dentro de los tejidos. Presentamos un caso de gangrena gaseosa espontánea mortal causada por Clostridium perfringens en un paciente con leucemia linfocítica aguda durante la fase de quimioterapia de inducción de la remisión.

Gas gangrene, clostridial myonecrosis, is one of the most serious infectious diseases, characterized by rapidly progressive destruction of deep soft tissues and production of gas within the tissues. We presented a case of fatal spontaneous gas gangrene due to Clostridium perfringens in a patient with acute lymphoblastic leukemia during remission induction chemotherapy phase.

Practice and Analysis of Clinical Pharmacists Participating in Anti-infection Treatment of a Child with Gas Gangrene / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the role of clinical pharmacists in the anti-infection treatment for gas gangrene chil-dren. METHODS:Clinical pharmacists participated in the anti-infection treatment of a child with gas gangrene;according to clini-cal symptoms and consultation opinions of different departments,it was suggested to use Piperacillin sodium and tazobactam sodi-um for injection for initial anti-infection treatment. After debridement and drainage of left lower limb,removal of necrotic tissue, clinical pharmacists suggested to stop giving Piperacillin sodium and tazobactam sodium for injection and use Benzylpenicillin sodi-um for injection combined with Imipenem and cilastatin sodium for injection instead for anti-infection treatment according to etiolog-ical characteristic of gas gangrene and related guidelines. According to the results of bacterial culture of wound secretion and drug sensitivity test,clinical pharmacists additionally suggested to use Clindamycin hydrochloride and sodium chloride injection 0.6 g, q8 h,ivgtt to inhibit the generation of Clostridium perfringens.According to the changes of patient's signs and etiological results, it was suggested to stop taking Clindamycin hydrochloride and sodium chloride injection,use Vancomycin hydrochloride for injec-tion successively. RESULTS:The physicians adopted the suggestions of clinical pharmacists.After surgical treatment and anti-infec-tion treatment,the patient's condition was improved,the vital signs were stable,and the patient was transferred to the general ward of orthopedics department for further treatment. CONCLUSIONS:Clinical pharmacists participate in the treatment of gas gan-grene child,and assist physicians to formulate and adjust anti-infection treatment plan according to related guidelines,clinical symp-toms,etiological examination results and consultation opinions,so as to guarantee safe and effective drug use.

Practice and Analysis of Clinical Pharmacists Participating in Anti-infection Treatment of a Child with Gas Gangrene / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the role of clinical pharmacists in the anti-infection treatment for gas gangrene chil-dren. METHODS:Clinical pharmacists participated in the anti-infection treatment of a child with gas gangrene;according to clini-cal symptoms and consultation opinions of different departments,it was suggested to use Piperacillin sodium and tazobactam sodi-um for injection for initial anti-infection treatment. After debridement and drainage of left lower limb,removal of necrotic tissue, clinical pharmacists suggested to stop giving Piperacillin sodium and tazobactam sodium for injection and use Benzylpenicillin sodi-um for injection combined with Imipenem and cilastatin sodium for injection instead for anti-infection treatment according to etiolog-ical characteristic of gas gangrene and related guidelines. According to the results of bacterial culture of wound secretion and drug sensitivity test,clinical pharmacists additionally suggested to use Clindamycin hydrochloride and sodium chloride injection 0.6 g, q8 h,ivgtt to inhibit the generation of Clostridium perfringens.According to the changes of patient's signs and etiological results, it was suggested to stop taking Clindamycin hydrochloride and sodium chloride injection,use Vancomycin hydrochloride for injec-tion successively. RESULTS:The physicians adopted the suggestions of clinical pharmacists.After surgical treatment and anti-infec-tion treatment,the patient's condition was improved,the vital signs were stable,and the patient was transferred to the general ward of orthopedics department for further treatment. CONCLUSIONS:Clinical pharmacists participate in the treatment of gas gan-grene child,and assist physicians to formulate and adjust anti-infection treatment plan according to related guidelines,clinical symp-toms,etiological examination results and consultation opinions,so as to guarantee safe and effective drug use.

Gas Gangrene after an Intramuscular Injection: A Case Report.

Gas gangrene is a necrotic infection of soft tissue associated with a high mortality, often necessitating amputation to control the infection. It is mainly caused by Clostridium perfringens which is a Gram-positive, anaerobic, spore-bearing bacillus widely found in nature, particularly in soil and feces. Incubation time for gas gangrene is short, usually <24 h, and the physical finding of crepitus is characteristic in the setting of soft tissue infection. Herein, we present a case of gas gangrene of the gluteal region and thigh following an intramuscular injection where the patient was treated with multiple debridements, antibiotics, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy; a review of the literature is presented here.

Fulminant gas gangrene in an adolescent with immunodeficiency. Case report and literature review / Gangrena gaseosa fulminante en adolescente con inmunodeficiencia. Reporte de caso y revisión de la literatur

Abstract Immunity defects are important predisposing factors to aggressive infections with high risk of mortality. The case of a teenager with a history of immunodeficiency, who developed gas gangrene infection originated in the left lower limb is reported here. The disease progressed in less than 24 hours, developed systemic involvement and led to multiple organ failure and death. Pathophysiological aspects and features of the agent are reviewed here, highlighting the importance of high index of clinical suspicion and immediate handling.

Resumen Los defectos de la inmunidad constituyen un importante factor predisponente a las infecciones agresivas de alto riesgo de mortalidad. Se presenta el caso de un adolescente con antecedente de inmunodeficiencia, quien de forma rápida desarrolla infección del tipo gangrena gaseosa. La infección inicia en miembro inferior izquierdo y en menos de 24 horas desarrolla compromiso sistémico con falla orgánica múltiple y el paciente fallece. Se revisan los aspectos fisiopatológicos y las características del agente causal, resaltando la importancia del diagnóstico y tratamiento oportuno y temprano.

Gangrena gaseosa / Gangrène gazeuse / Gas gangrene

Se presenta un paciente masculino de 29 años, mestizo, recluso, quien 7 días antes de haber sido remitido al servicio de urgencias del Hospital Universitario Amalia Simoni se había inoculado, en autoagresión, heces fecales en la pierna y el muslo derechos. Refirió dolor y presentaba gran toma del estado general. A la exploración física se constató aumento de volumen generalizado del miembro inferior derecho, con zonas de eritema marcado que alternaban con áreas de necrosis que incluso afectaban el abdomen bajo, aumento de la temperatura local; a la palpación, dolor intenso con amplia zona de crepitación subcutánea, además de bulas de contenido serohemático, pútrido, de olor fétido. La radiografía reveló aumento marcado de la opacidad de las partes blandas, bandas de gas a nivel del tejido celular subcutáneo y presencia de numerosas bulas sin toma ósea. Se decidió tratamiento quirúrgico multidisciplinario que incluyó la desarticulación en guillotina del miembro inferior derecho a nivel de la cadera y toilette amplia, medidas de soporte vital, y la combinación de clindamicina, vancomicina y meronem. La gangrena gaseosa es una infección fulminante de los tejidos blandos con una mortalidad elevada; la sospecha diagnóstica y el entendimiento de la fisiopatología mejoran el pronóstico. El soporte vital, el equilibrio del medio interno, el uso de antimicrobianos de amplio espectro y un tratamiento quirúrgico agresivo, disminuyen la mortalidad(AU)

A case of a 29-year convict mestizo male patient is presented here. This patient is referred to the emergency department of Traumatology at Amalia Simoni University Hospital, seven days after having self-inoculated with stool in his right leg and thigh as self-harm. The patient complained of pain and his general was very poor. Physical examination revealed generalized increase in volume of the right lower limb, with marked erythema areas alternating with areas of necrosis that were even affecting the lower abdomen; increased local temperature, tenderness, pain with subcutaneous crepitus in wide area were found, as well as bulls serohematic bulls, putrid, foul-smelling. Radiography reveals marked increase in opacity of the soft tissues, bands of gas at the level of subcutaneous tissue and the presence of numerous bulls without bone involvement. Multidisciplinary surgical treatment was decided including the guillotine disarticulation of the right leg to hip level and wide toilette, life support, and the combination of clindamycin, vancomycin, and meronem. Gas gangrene is a fulminant soft tissue infection with high mortality; the suspected diagnosis and understanding of the pathophysiology improve prognosis. Life support, balance the internal environment, the use of broad-spectrum antimicrobials and aggressive surgical treatment, reduce mortality(AU)

Un patient âgé de 29 ans, métis, reclus, référé au service d'urgences à l'hôpital universitaire "Amalia Simoni" dû à une automutilation (inoculation de selle dans la jambe et la cuisse droites), est présenté. Il a exprimé une douleur et une sensation de mal-être. Dans l'examen physique, on a pu constater une inflammation du membre inférieur droit; des zones érythémateuses très marquées alternant avec des zones nécrosées, même arrivant à l'abdomen bas; une augmentation de la température locale; une douleur violente avec une zone de crépitements à la palpation, et des bulles à contenu séro-hématique, putréfié et fétide. La radiographie a révélé une augmentation significative de l'opacité des parties molles, des bandes gazeuses au niveau du tissu cellulaire sous-cutané, et une présence de nombreuses bulles sans prise osseuse. On a décidé un traitement chirurgical pluridisciplinaire consistant à une désarticulation en guillotine du membre inférieur droit au niveau de la hanche et un curettage profond; des soins intensifs, et une combinaison de clindamycine, vancomycine et méropénème. La gangrène gazeuse est une infection fulminante des tissus mous avec un taux de mortalité très haut. Le diagnostic suspecté et la compréhension de la physiopathologie améliorent le pronostic. Les soins intensifs, l'équilibre du milieu intérieur, l'emploi d'antimicrobiens à large spectre et un traitement chirurgical agressif font réduire le taux de mortalité(AU)

Benign Subcutaneous Emphysema of the Upper Limb: A Case Report

Subcutaneous emphysema is the presence of gas or air in the subcutaneous tissue plane. The term is generally used to describe any soft tissue emphysema of the body wall or limbs, it can result from benign causes, most commonly secondary to trauma or from a life-threatening infection by gas gangrene or necrotising fasciitis. A case of subcutaneous emphysema involving the upper limb resulting from a trivial laceration to the elbow is reported and the importance of distinguishing between the two causes of subcutaneous emphysema is highlighted.

Gas Gangrene Caused by Streptococcus anginosus / 대한내과학회지

Gas gangrene, a subset of necrotizing myositis, is a bacterial infection that produces gas in tissues in gangrene. It is usually caused by Clostridium species, most commonly Clostridium perfringens. Streptococcus anginosus is a rare cause of gas gangrene, with very few cases reported. We report a rare case of traumatic gas gangrene caused by S. anginosus in a 57-year-old female with diabetes after being stabbed with scissors.

Bedside Focused Ultrasound in Necrotizing Fasciitis: The “Black-hole Sign”.

Introduction: Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a life-threatening infection of soft tissues, requiring prompt diagnosis and an aggressive management. The role of ultrasonography (US) in emergency setting for early diagnosis of NF was reported in literature, its accuracy being estimated 92% both before and without gas production. Presentation of the Case: A 65-year old man, with pulmonary metastasis from colonrectal cancer, treated with chemotherapy, complained of dyspnoea, fever and a dull pain in his left calf for 3 days. Skin was spared and no evidence of tactile alterations or edema was found. Bedside US focused on the painful zone revealed a small hypo-anechoic area in deep subcutaneous tissue with blurred contours and posterior shadowing (“black-hole sign”), referable to soft tissue necrosis. Thickness and hyperechogenicity of surrounding subcutaneous tissue, due to diffuse inflammatory infiltrate and edema, and thin distal fluid collection along the fascia, were also detected, without gas artifacts. Surgery debridement was performed, tissue cultures yielding Escherichia Coli, maybe due to the disruption of bowel mucosal wall. Discussion and Conclusion: Bedside goal-directed US performed by emergency physician can exclude alternative aetiologies to NF in severe localized pain of the lower extremity. The depiction of blurred focal changes in the soft tissue, configuring an US “black-hole sign” and referable to fat necrosis and suppurative infiltration, may represent the main early finding of NF, especially in the idiopathic form. Its identification should alarm physicians, inducing further investigations and close monitoring. The employment of bedside goal-directed US should be stressed in Emergency Department.

A Fatal Spontaneous Gas Gangrene due to Clostridium perfringens during Neutropenia of Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation: Case Report and Literature Review

Most cases of gas gangrene caused by Clostridium species begin with trauma-related injuries but in rare cases, spontaneous gas gangrene (SGG) can occur when patients have conditions such as advanced malignancy, diabetes, or immunosuppression. Clostridium perfringens, a rare cause of SGG, exists as normal flora of skin and intestines of human. Adequate antibiotics with surgical debridement of infected tissue is the only curative therapeutic management. Mortality rate among adults is reported range of 67-100% and majority of deaths are occurred within 24 hours of onset. We experienced a case of SGG on the trunk, buttock and thigh in a neutropenic patient with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. His clinical course was rapid and fatal during pre-engraftment neutropenic period of allogeneic stem cell transplantation.

Gangrena gaseosa de la mama / Gas gangrene of the breast

La gangrena gaseosa de la mama es una enfermedad rara y potencialmente mortal descrita como consecuencia de un traumatismo, por complicaciones infecciosas de la cirugía o por una trombosis venosa. También se ha relacionado ocasionalmente con otras causas tales como la diabetes mellitus, el envenenamiento con monóxido de carbono o la cirugía plástica. Presentamos un caso de gangrena gaseosa de mama en una mujer diabética de 74 años. Esta rara infección representa una emergencia médico-quirúrgica(AU)

Gas gangrene of the breast is a rare and potentially lethal disease following trauma, as a result of infectious complications from surgery or venous thrombosis. Other rare etiologies, such as diabetes mellitus, carbon monoxide poisoning, and plastic surgery, have also been reported as related to this illness. A case of gas gangrene of the breast found in a 74-year-old diabetic woman was presented in this paper. This rare infection is a medical and surgical emergency situation(AU)

Infecção fulminante por Clostridium septicum: relato de caso / Fulminant Clostridium septicum infection: case report

As infecções de tecidos moles causadas por espécies de Clostridium têm sido descritos na literatura por centenas de anos. A gangrena gasosa por Clostridium continua sendo uma importante causa de morbidade e mortalidade no mundo. O objetivo deste estudo foi relatar um caso de paciente com diagnóstico de síndrome mielodisplásica, submetida à curetagem uterina e evoluindo com gangrena gasosa espontânea, 10 horas após a cirurgia.Paciente do sexo feminino, 26 anos, com história de dor em terço distal de membros inferiores, irradiando para região de fossa poplítea, com piora à palpação e movimentação dos membros, acompanhada de aumento da temperatura e volume local. Negava febre, hiperemia ou trauma local, evoluindo para choque séptico. Angiotomografia das extremidades e pelve revelou a presença de gás permeando os feixes musculares da coxa e da perna, bilateralmente. A combinação da história e exame clínico,ao estudo radiológico confirmou o diagnóstico sindrômico de gangrena gasosa espontânea. Apesar de elevado índice de suspeição melhorar os resultados clínicos, tais infecções progridem tão rapidamente que o óbito pode preceder o diagnóstico,não obstante, o reconhecimento precoce e tratamento agressivo,incluindo drenagem aberta ou percutânea. Antibióticos parenterais contra Clostrídios devem ser prontamente iniciados, bem como medidas de suporte clínico.

The soft tissue infections caused by Clostridium species have been described in the literature for hundreds of years. The gas gangrene due to Clostridium remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The aim of this study was to report a patient diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome who underwent curettage, evolving with spontaneous gas gangrene, 10 hours after surgery. Female patient, 26 years, with pain in the distal third of the lower limbs, radiating to the popliteal fossa region, which worsened on palpation and movement of limbs, and accompanied by an increase in temperature and local volume. She denied fever, redness or local trauma, and progressed to septic shock. Angiotomography of the extremities and pelvis revealed the presence of gas permeating the muscle bundles of the thigh and leg bilaterally. The combination of history and clinical examination and radiological examination confirmed the syndromic diagnosis of Spontaneous Gas Gangrene. Although a high index of suspicion may improve clinical outcomes, such infections progress so rapidly that death usually precedes the diagnosis. However, early recognition and aggressive treatment, including open or percutaneous drainage and parenteral antibiotics against Clostridia should be promptly initiated, along with clinical support.

Endogenous gas gangrene after laparoscopic cholecystectomy / Gangrena Gaseosa endógena tras la colecistectomía laparoscópica

Clostridial gas gangrene of the abdominal wall is rare, and it is usually associated with organ perforation, immunosuppression or gastrointestinal malignancies. In this paper, we present a case of fulminant, endogenous gas gangrene in a 58-year old diabetic female with arterial hypertension and atherosclerosis, following uneventful laparoscopic cholecystectomy. She developed gas gangrene of the abdominal wall 12-hours after cholecystectomy and died 24-hours after the onset of the first symptoms, in spite oftreatment.

La gangrena gaseosa clostridial de la pared abdominal es rara, y normalmente se halla asociada con la perforación de órganos, inmunosupresión o malignidades gastrointestinales. En este trabajo, se presenta un caso de gangrena gaseosa endógena fulminante en una mujer diabética de 58 años con hipertensión arterial y ateroesclerosis, tras una colecistectomía laparoscópica sin incidentes. Doce horas después de la colecistectomía, la mujer desarrolló una gangrena gaseosa de la pared abdominal, y murió 24 horas después del comienzo de los primeros síntomas, a pesar del tratamiento.

Management of Gas Gangrene in Wenchuan Earthquake Victims / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

Gas gangrene is an emergency condition,which usually develops after injuries or surgery.This study was designed to investigate clinical characteristics,appropriate therapy,and effective control of nosocomial cross-infection of gas gangrene in Wenchuan earthquake victims.Data on diagnosis,treatment,and prevention of confirmed,suspected,or highly suspected gas gangrene were collected.Sixty-seven (2.41％) cases of suspected gas gangrene were found,in which 32 cases were highly suspected of gas gangrene and 5 cases were confirmed by culture of Clostridium perfringens.Thereof,injury sites were mainly located on the limbs,and typical indications,including crepitation,severe localized pain,swelling,wound discoloration,dark red or black necrotic muscle,foul smell as well as different degrees of systemic toxic performance were common among them.After hospitalization,all patients were isolated and had surgery quickly to remove dead,damaged or infected tissue.The wounds were also exposed for drainage and washed or padded with 3％ liquid hydrogen peroxide for disinfection before all diagnostic test results were available.Additionally,high doses of antibiotics (mainly penicillin) were given for the prevention of infection,and supportive therapy was applied for corresponding symptoms control.Among those cases,no fatality was reported.In summary,in post-disaster emergency relief,the diagnosis of gas gangrene should be primarily based on clinical manifestations; while patient isolation,wound debridement and disinfection,as well as antibiotics treatment,is the main measures for proper treatment and control of nosocomial infection for gas gangrene.

Detection of clostridium perfringens with qPCR in mouse models and a clinical case / 中国医师杂志

Objective To detect of clostridium perfringens by qPCR in mouse models and a clinical case in order to offer early diagnosis.Methods 40 Kunming mice were randomly grouped and intramuscular injected clostridium perfringens type A in leg 0.1 ml(3.5 × 109cfu/ml or 3.5 × 108cfu/ml or 3.5× 107cfu/ml,diluted with saline),while control group was injected with 9% sodium chloride 0.1ml.The mouse models and a clinical case were detected by qPCR.Results The death rate of 3.5 × 109,3.5 × 108,3.5 × 107cfu/ml and the blank group were 90%,70%,10% and 0% after intramuscular injection for 72 h spectively.The mean Ct values among these groups were 21.21 ±2.69,28.45 ±2.74,32.49 ±2.87 and 0.00 ± 0.00(P ＜ 0.05).The Ct values of the patient were 30.67 and 30.44.Conclusions Cclostridium perfringens could be successful identified with qPCR in mouse models when the mice still did not show any symptoms.