Clostridium perfringens-induced liver abscess with severe haemolysis

Abstract

Clostridium perfringensis notorious for causing skin and soft tissue infections and food poisoning. Rarely,C. perfringensinfections are associated with severe haemolysis, with a mortality rate of >80%. A previously healthy man in his 70s who presented with fever as his chief symptom was promptly admitted to a regional core hospital. Over the next 3 hours, shock and multiple organ failure ensued, leading to referral to our hospital for intensive care. We suspected a liver abscess caused byC. perfringensinfection with haemolysis, findings of severe haemolysis and a liver mass with gas production that appeared within a few hours. Though surgical drainage was contemplated, low blood pressure resulted in death within 3 hours of arrival at our hospital. The next day, a blood culture confirmedC. perfringens, proving the diagnosis. Improving patient outcomes requires increased awareness of the disease and early detection.