Hepatic Abscess With Clostridium perfringens Bacteremia Leading to Hemolysis: A Case Report

We describe the case of a 64-year-old male who presented with acute acalculous cholecystitis complicated by the formation of a hepatic abscess. Blood cultures subsequently grew <i>Clostridium perfringens</i>, and culture of the aspirated hepatic abscess fluid confirmed its presence.<i> </i>The clinical course was further complicated by severe intravascular hemolysis, leading to acute renal failure that required temporary hemodialysis. Management included the prompt initiation of broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotic therapy in conjunction with image-guided percutaneous drainage of the hepatic abscess. <i>C. perfringens</i> sepsis is associated with high morbidity and mortality, primarily due to its rapid progression and toxin-mediated hemolysis. This case underscores the importance of early recognition, aggressive antimicrobial therapy, and timely source control to optimize clinical outcomes.

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Journal
Cureus
Published
2025-05-16
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.84242
Primary Topic
Clostridium difficile and Clostridium perfringens research
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
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article

Hepatic Abscess With Clostridium perfringens Bacteremia Leading to Hemolysis: A Case Report

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Cureus
Clostridium difficile and Clostridium perfringens research
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Hepatic Abscess With Clostridium perfringens Bacteremia Leading to Hemolysis: A Case Report

Henry Schuitema, Alan Lucerna, Joel Collins, James Espinosa, Katelyn Courtney
article en

Abstract

We describe the case of a 64-year-old male who presented with acute acalculous cholecystitis complicated by the formation of a hepatic abscess. Blood cultures subsequently grew <i>Clostridium perfringens</i>, and culture of the aspirated hepatic abscess fluid confirmed its presence.<i> </i>The clinical course was further complicated by severe intravascular hemolysis, leading to acute renal failure that required temporary hemodialysis. Management included the prompt initiation of broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotic therapy in conjunction with image-guided percutaneous drainage of the hepatic abscess. <i>C. perfringens</i> sepsis is associated with high morbidity and mortality, primarily due to its rapid progression and toxin-mediated hemolysis. This case underscores the importance of early recognition, aggressive antimicrobial therapy, and timely source control to optimize clinical outcomes.

CureusVol. 17(5)
Stratford University (US), Aria - Jefferson Health (US)
Zero hunger
Openalex Percentile: Top 86%
Clostridium difficile and Clostridium perfringens research
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