Clostridial enteritis necroticans versus secondary clostridial infection superimposed upon ischemic bowel disease

J La State Med Soc. 2002 Sep-Oct;154(5):251-5.

Abstract

Clostridial enteritis necroticans, or pig-bel, as seen in Papua New Guinea, is a necrotizing, segmental gangrene of the small intestine occurring in members of a malnourished population, who become ill after consuming large quantities of pork contaminated with Type C. Clostridium perfringens. We report a case of possible Clostridial enteritis necroticans with concomitant ischemic intestinal disease secondary to superior mesenteric arterial thrombosis occurring in a 53-year-old woman with a long history of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and peripheral vascular disease. The differential diagnosis and the pathogenesis of C. perfringens enteritis necroticans are discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Clostridium Infections / diagnosis*
  • Clostridium Infections / microbiology
  • Clostridium Infections / physiopathology
  • Clostridium perfringens / isolation & purification*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Enterocolitis, Necrotizing / complications
  • Enterocolitis, Necrotizing / diagnosis*
  • Enterocolitis, Necrotizing / microbiology
  • Enterocolitis, Necrotizing / physiopathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intestines / blood supply
  • Ischemia / complications
  • Louisiana