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Case Reports
. 2023 Sep 16;15(9):e45343.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.45343. eCollection 2023 Sep.

Clostridium septicum Bacteremia As the Presenting Sign of Colon Cancer

Andrew T Abraham  1 , Sripal Padam  1
Affiliations
Case Reports

Clostridium septicum Bacteremia As the Presenting Sign of Colon Cancer

Andrew T Abraham et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Colon cancer is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality throughout the world. Some of the most common presenting signs are a change in bowel habits, alteration of fecal contour or consistency, blood in stool, fatigue, and weight loss. However, it may present insidiously. This is the case of an 81-year-old female with Clostridium septicum bacteremia as the primary presenting sign of metastatic colon cancer. In further literature review, we discuss the genomic associations that contribute to the severity of the disease and explore the potential links between the gut microbiome and colorectal carcinoma. This article highlights risk factor modifications and lab abnormalities that may be useful for the primary care provider and acute care practitioner.

Keywords: clostridium infections; colorectal cancer; infectious aortitis; molecular carcinogenesis; tissue polypeptide specific antigen.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Gross view of the ascending colon on colonoscopy
Large ulcerated mass (blue arrows) partially obstructing the lumen of the colon.
Figure 2
Figure 2. Gross view of the ascending colon on colonoscopy
Large ulcerated mass (blue arrows) partially obstructing the lumen of the colon.
Figure 3
Figure 3. Gross view of the ascending colon on colonoscopy
Two separate masses attached to the bowel wall (blue arrows, green arrows).
Figure 4
Figure 4. Gross view of the hepatic flexure on colonoscopy
Large ulcerated mass (blue arrows) partially obstructing the lumen of the colon.
Figure 5
Figure 5. Gross view of the hepatic flexure on colonoscopy
Large ulcerated mass (blue arrows) partially obstructing the lumen of the colon.
Figure 6
Figure 6. Gross view of the hepatic flexure on colonoscopy
Large ulcerated mass (blue arrows) extending along the colonic wall.
Figure 7
Figure 7. Computerized tomography scan of the abdomen after the bi-directional endoscopy showing masses in ascending and transverse colon
Masses identified by yellow arrows.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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