Search DocQuery
Presentation :
- Clostridial myonecrosis (gas gangrene) is a life-threatening muscle infection
- Sudden onset of severe pain is accompanied by skin discoloration, exquisite tenderness, crepitus, and bullae.
Pathophysiology :
- Infection following trauma is most commonly caused by Clostridium perfringens,
- Whereas hematogenous seeding from the gastrointestinal tract is most commonly caused by Clostridium septicum.
Diagnostic Testing:
- Diagnosis is suggested by visualization of gram-positive rods detected in samples from the wound or grown anaerobically from blood.
Treatment :
- Treatment requires surgical debridement and parenteral antibiotics, with high-dose penicillin the first-line therapy.
Prognosis:
References: