Fatal Liver Infection Caused By Clostridium perfringens After Common Bile Duct Stenting Due To Pancreatic Cancer: A Case Report

BACKGROUND: Intra-abdominal Clostridium perfringens, especially liver infection, is rare and fatal. It often occurs in patients with immunodeficiency due to various factors, such as cancer, diabetes mellitus, and organ transplantation. The identification of gram-positive bacilli in septicemia, the presence of gas-forming liver damage and intravascular hemolysis are manifestations of Clostridium perfringens infection. The episode deteriorates rapidly and has a high mortality rate. CASE PRESENTATION: This case involved a 60-year-old man with infection onset 2 weeks after common bile duct stenting for obstructive jaundice caused by unresectable pancreatic cancer. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) revealed gas-containing lesions in the liver. Blood culture showed Clostridium perfringens. Though aggressively rescued, he died within 24 hrs after admission. CONCLUSION: Clostridium perfringens liver infection is rare but leads to a severe prognosis rapidly. High awareness of this condition is key for early diagnosis and effective treatment.