A Rare Case of Secondary Bacterial Peritonitis from Clostridium perfringens
Author Information
Author(s): Scott R. Kelley, George M. Kerlakian
Primary Institution: Good Samaritan Hospital
Hypothesis
Can Clostridium perfringens cause secondary bacterial peritonitis in a patient with noncirrhotic ascites and a Krukenberg tumor?
Conclusion
The case illustrates that Clostridium perfringens can be a rare cause of secondary bacterial peritonitis, even in the absence of cirrhosis.
Supporting Evidence
- Clostridium perfringens was isolated from both ascitic fluid and blood cultures.
- The patient had a history of metastatic gastric cancer and presented with symptoms consistent with peritonitis.
- Exploratory laparotomy revealed a large hemorrhagic cystic mass associated with the right ovary.
Takeaway
This study shows that a specific bacteria, Clostridium perfringens, can cause a serious belly infection in a patient who has cancer and fluid in her belly.
Methodology
The patient underwent exploratory laparotomy and cultures were taken from fluid and tissue.
Limitations
The study is based on a single case report, limiting generalizability.
Participant Demographics
51-year-old white female with metastatic gastric cancer.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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