[Fulminant sepsis caused by Clostridium perfringens of urologic origin].

OBJECTIVE

To present a case of fulminant sepsis caused by Clostridium perfringens of urological origin.

METHODS

An 81-year-old diabetic female (the only factor of immunodepression) presented complicated renal colic two days later with fulminant and fatal sepsis caused by Clostridium perfringens with signs of disseminated intravascular coagulation.

RESULTS

The patient died one hour after the presentation of disseminated intravascular coagulation despite attempts to resuscitate the patient in the emergency department. Due to the fulminant course of the condition, it was not possible to demonstrate the presence of massive intravascular hemolysis characteristic of these conditions. Blood cultures obtained immediately after the patient died were positive for Clostridium perfringens.

CONCLUSIONS

Sepsis is a possible complication of infection from Clostridium perfringens. It is more frequent in immune-depressed patients and carries a high mortality despite medical and surgical treatment. Although it is not the most frequent, the genitourinary tract is a known portal of entry that should not be forgotten as in the case described herein.