Clostridium septicum aortitis and colon carcinoma

Abstract

Clostridium septicum (C. septicum) aortitis is a rare but highly fatal infection that has a strong association with occult malignancy. Aneurysmal transformation of C. septicum aortitis is common and has been reported to occur in as little as 1 to 3 weeks. We report a case of C. septicum Aortitis with concomitant adenocarcinoma of the ascending colon detected via CT scan. Imaging findings of colonic malignancy with aortitis are highly suggestive of infection with C. septicum. Given the high associated mortality and rapid progression, early recognition on imaging could have life saving implications. Additionally, imaging findings of aortitis in conjunction with C. septicum bacteremia should prompt the careful evaluation for malignancy, most notably colonic or hematologic.

Keywords: Aortitis; Clostridium septicum; Colonic malignancy; Hematologic malignancy.