[Clostridium difficile enteritis]

Abstract

Introduction: Clostridium difficile infection of the small intestine is infrequent.

Method: We present the first case of C. difficile enteritis (CDE) diagnosed in Spain and provide a review of the literature.

Results: A 30-year-old man underwent surgery for recurrence of a retroperitoneal germ cell tumor. Seven days later the patient developed vomiting, diarrhea and, finally, intestinal obstruction due to pseudomembranes caused by CDE. Only 57 cases of CDE have been reported in the literature. The mean age was 52±17 years with a range of 18 to 86 years. Twenty-nine patients (50%) had inflammatory bowel disease. Forty-seven (81%) had a history of colon or small intestine surgery. Mortality was higher in older patients and in those without inflammatory bowel disease.

Conclusion: CDE is characterized by high severity and mortality.