Clostridium sordellii: A Cause of Toxic Shock Syndrome After a Breach in the GI Tract

Clostridium sordellii is a highly virulent microorganism that causes serious infections, most commonly of the uterus and perineum. It has a high associated mortality rate due to the various toxins that it produces. A review of the literature suggests that knowledge surrounding its proper management is limited. This report describes a case of Clostridium sordellii causing toxic shock syndrome posttranslocation through the GI tract. A 69-year-old man with a past medical history of renal cell carcinoma and small bowl obstruction complicating transverse colostomy presented to the emergency room with back pain and rigors. Vital signs showed that he was in hemodynamic shock, and imaging revealed a left renal mass invading the adjacent splenic flexure of the colon. There was also a significant leukemoid reaction. After receiving a series of antibiotics, blood cultures revealed Clostridium sordellii as the pathogen of interest. As the first report of its kind, we identify a unique presentation of this organism, serving as a primary example of a different setting that clinicians should be aware of while at the same time highlighting a successful course of therapy for this often deadly organism.