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Clostridium septicum gas gangrene in the orbit: a case report

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Abstract

Our report presents a case of Clostridium septicum gas gangrene in an unusual, orbital localization. The predisposing factors are typical: colon tumour and lymphatic malignancy. Most probably bacteria from the intestinal flora entered the bloodstream through the compromised intestinal wall and settled in the orbit resulting in the development of an abscess containing gas. At the site of the gas gangrene, an indolent B cell lymphoma was present. After surgery and antibiotic treatment, the patient healed from the C. septicum infection; but subsequently died as a consequence of the tumour.

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Acknowledgments

We wish to thank our colleagues from the pathology, radiology and microbiology units for their work in the diagnostic process. We also acknowledge the help of our colleagues at the István Bugyi Hospital, Szentes, especially László Berente in the treatment of the patient and for letting us access the post-operative documentation.

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The authors certify that there is no actual or potential conflict of interest in relation to this article.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Ophthalmology, University of Szeged, Korányi fsr.10-11, Szeged, 6720, Hungary

    I. Fejes, R. Dégi & M. Végh

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  1. I. Fejes
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  2. R. Dégi
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  3. M. Végh
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Correspondence to I. Fejes.

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Fejes, I., Dégi, R. & Végh, M. Clostridium septicum gas gangrene in the orbit: a case report. Infection 41, 267–270 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s15010-012-0366-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s15010-012-0366-y

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