# Clostridium perfringens Bacteremia Secondary to Stercoral Colitis in a Patient With Advanced Parkinson’s Disease: A Rare Case Report

## TL;DR

A rare case of Clostridium perfringens bacteremia caused by stercoral colitis in a patient with Parkinson's disease is reported, emphasizing the importance of early treatment.

## Contribution

This case report highlights stercoral colitis as a rare source of C. perfringens bacteremia without perforation or soft tissue infection.

## Key findings

- C. perfringens bacteremia was diagnosed in a patient with stercoral colitis and no soft tissue infection.
- Treatment with metronidazole and bowel management led to stable recovery in a high-risk patient.
- Stercoral colitis can be a source of C. perfringens bacteremia, even without intestinal perforation.

## Abstract

Clostridium perfringens infections are often associated with high mortality and typically result from soft tissue infections. Stercoral colitis, a complication of fecal infection, is more frequently linked to gram-negative bacteremia. We present a rare case of C. perfringens bacteremia caused by stercoral colitis. A 62-year-old woman with advanced Parkinson's disease, dementia, and immobility presented with altered mental status. Stroke was ruled out. Blood cultures grew C. perfringens without signs of soft tissue infection. A CT of the abdomen showed stercoral colitis with fecal impaction. She was treated with a seven-day course of intravenous metronidazole and an aggressive bowel regimen. She remained hemodynamically stable and was discharged in stable condition for outpatient follow-up. This case highlights stercoral colitis as a potential source of C. perfringens bacteremia even without perforation or soft tissue involvement. Early antibiotics, bowel decompression, and nutritional support can improve outcomes in high-risk patients.