<i>Clostridioides Difficile</i> Infection Presenting with Fulminant Colitis

Abstract

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is a common hospital-acquired infection, typically presenting with watery diarrhea and colitis. Most cases are managed with clinical support and antibiotics. Recently, more virulent strains have been associated with life-threatening infections. Surgery plays a role for complicated cases failing clinical treatment or with complications, such as bowel perforation and peritonitis. The present study reports the case of a 62-year-old female with CDI and fulminant colitis requiring urgent surgery. Surgeons should be aware of this presentation and involved early in the care of these patients, as clinical deterioration can occur very rapidly.

Keywords

• Clostridium difficile
• Clostridioides colitis
• colectomy
• total abdominal colectomy
• surgery