NYMC Faculty Publications
Clostridium Septicum Aortitis: A Kiss of the Devil
Author Type(s)
Faculty
DOI
10.1111/jocs.14402
Journal Title
Journal of Cardiac Surgery
First Page
514
Last Page
517
Document Type
Case Report
Publication Date
2-2020
Department
Surgery
Second Department
Medicine
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.
Recommended Citation
Ranchal, P., Ferin, A., Gupta, R., Malekan, R., Goldberg, J., Laskowski, I., & El Khoury, M. Y. (2020). Clostridium Septicum Aortitis: A Kiss of the Devil. Journal of Cardiac Surgery, 35 (2), 514-517. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocs.14402
