ENTERITIS NECROTICANS WITH MIDGUT NECROSIS CAUSED BY CLOSTRIDIUM-PERFRINGENS

Enteritis necroticans is a necrotizing process manifesting as segmenta l gangrene of the bowel, triggered by Clostridium perfringens toxins u nder specific dietary conditions. It is a rare disease in developed co untries and is probably underdiagnosed. A case of enteritis necrotican s presenting with midgut necrosis with sepsis and hemolysis is reporte d herein. Bacteriologic culture of blood and peritoneal content reveal ed C perfringens. Dietary history, including the ingestion of meat tog ether with sweet potatoes, should increase clinical suspicion of enter itis necroticans. Early recognition and timely surgical intervention a re required for successful treatment. Clinicians are encouraged to be aware of this clinically fulminant yet rarely recognized surgical enti ty.