Nontraumatic clostridial myonecrosis, a case report

Abstract

Physicians are aware of the association between massively contaminated wounds and clostridial myonecrosis, or gas gangrene. A far less common but equally devastating presentation is that of nontraumatic or spontaneous gas gangrene. The most frequently encountered organism in this rare form of gangrene is Clostridium septicum, and there is a high correlation with hematologic or gastrointestinal malignancy. The mainstays of treatment are intravenous antibiotics, surgical debridement, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. The prognosis is dependent upon early recognition and institution of treatment.