Rapidly Fatal Emphysematous Osteomyelitis with Multiple Septic Emboli and Liver Abscess Caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae

Abstract

Emphysematous osteomyelitis, characterized by intraosseous gas, is a rare but potentially fatal condition that requires prompt diagnosis and aggressive therapy. Causative organisms are members of the bacterial family Enterobacteriaceae or anaerobes in most cases and significant comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus and malignancy, may predispose an individual to the development of emphysematous osteomyelitis. We report a case of extensive emphysematous osteomyelitis via hematogenous spread from Klebsiella pneumoniae liver abscess, complicated by gas-containing abscesses in adjacent soft tissues and epidural space, and multiple systemic septic emboli in a diabetic patient.

Keywords: Diabetes mellitus; Emphysematous osteomyelitis; Klebsiella pneumoniae; Liver abscess.