Recurrent crepitant cellulitis caused by Clostridium perfringens

Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2002 Dec;21(12):1173-4. doi: 10.1097/00006454-200212000-00021.

Abstract

A previously healthy 13-year-old boy developed extensive subcutaneous emphysema of the lower limb after a penetrating injury to the knee. Clostridium perfringens was isolated from the wound. Despite surgical debridement and appropriate antibiotics, the emphysema recurred, and prolonged antibiotic treatment was required. This case highlights the distinction between gas gangrene and the lesser known entity of clostridial crepitant cellulitis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Cellulitis / diagnostic imaging
  • Cellulitis / microbiology*
  • Clostridium perfringens / isolation & purification*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Gas Gangrene / diagnosis*
  • Gas Gangrene / therapy
  • Humans
  • Hyperbaric Oxygenation / methods
  • Infusions, Intravenous
  • Knee Injuries / complications
  • Knee Injuries / diagnostic imaging
  • Knee Injuries / microbiology*
  • Male
  • Penicillins / administration & dosage
  • Radiography
  • Recurrence
  • Risk Assessment
  • Subcutaneous Emphysema / diagnostic imaging
  • Subcutaneous Emphysema / microbiology*
  • Subcutaneous Emphysema / therapy
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Wounds, Penetrating / complications

Substances

  • Penicillins