Fatal Toxic Shock Syndrome Resulting from <i>Clostridium sordellii</i> Bacteremia after Perforation of a Low Rectal Cancer

<b><i>Background:</i></b> <i>Clostridium sordellii</i> infections are rare and highly lethal. They are most associated with medical abortions and other genitourinary procedures. We report a fatal case of <i>C. sordellii</i> bacteremia from a perforated low rectal cancer with rectovaginal fistula. <b><i>Case Presentation:</i></b> A 60-year-old female presented with 10 days of abdominal pain, loose stools, and hematochezia. She developed rapidly progressive septic shock. Imaging identified a perforated rectal mass, pneumovagina, and a large pelvic abscess. She underwent fecal diversion and drainage of the pelvic abscess. Despite this intervention, she had refractory septic shock with multisystem organ failure resulting in death. Blood cultures grew <i>C. sordellii</i> post-mortem. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> <i>C. sordellii</i> infections are often fatal if not treated immediately. Clinicians must have a high index of suspicion in rectal cancer with associated gynecological involvement.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Surgical Infections
Published
2025-11-27
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/10962964251403444
Primary Topic
Clostridium difficile and Clostridium perfringens research
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Fatal Toxic Shock Syndrome Resulting from Clostridium sordellii Bacteremia after Perforation of a Low Rectal Cancer

Sean Nix, Andrew Benedict, Alyssa Fesmire, L W Bassett
Surgical Infections
Clostridium difficile and Clostridium perfringens research
article

Fatal Toxic Shock Syndrome Resulting from Clostridium sordellii Bacteremia after Perforation of a Low Rectal Cancer

Sean Nix, Andrew Benedict, Alyssa Fesmire, L W Bassett
article en

Abstract

<b><i>Background:</i></b> <i>Clostridium sordellii</i> infections are rare and highly lethal. They are most associated with medical abortions and other genitourinary procedures. We report a fatal case of <i>C. sordellii</i> bacteremia from a perforated low rectal cancer with rectovaginal fistula. <b><i>Case Presentation:</i></b> A 60-year-old female presented with 10 days of abdominal pain, loose stools, and hematochezia. She developed rapidly progressive septic shock. Imaging identified a perforated rectal mass, pneumovagina, and a large pelvic abscess. She underwent fecal diversion and drainage of the pelvic abscess. Despite this intervention, she had refractory septic shock with multisystem organ failure resulting in death. Blood cultures grew <i>C. sordellii</i> post-mortem. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> <i>C. sordellii</i> infections are often fatal if not treated immediately. Clinicians must have a high index of suspicion in rectal cancer with associated gynecological involvement.

Surgical Infections
Saint Luke's Hospital (US), Stiles Eyecare Excellence (US), University of Missouri–Kansas City (US)
Openalex Percentile: Top 56%
Clostridium difficile and Clostridium perfringens research
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.

Fatal Toxic Shock Syndrome Resulting from <i>Clostridium sordellii</i> Bacteremia after Perforation of a Low Rectal Cancer — Sean Nix, Andrew Benedict, et al. · Surgical Infections (2025) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS