Vol.96 No.4 contentsPRACTICA OTO-RHINO-LARYNGOLOGICA
Vol. 96 No. 4 April 2003
Gas Gangrene in the Neck caused by
Peritonsillar Abscess; A Case Report
Nansei Yamada, Takashi Hiramatsu and Michinori Murai
(Ogaki Municipal Hospital)
The patient was 89-year-old male who complained of sore throat and swallowing pain. X-ray and CT showed gas formation in the neck. We performed an emergency operation, found necrotic tissues and diagnosed gas gangrene. In our earlier experiences with gas gangrene, there were many bacteria in the pathological specimen. In this case, anaerobic bacteria were detected in the necrotic tissues, contributing to the pathological diagnosis. Furthermore, we paid attention to the change in LDH based on past experiences. In the blood test, LDH rose simultaneously as his condition got worse. Findings of necrotic tissues in the pathological investigation was useful to the detection of bacteria and LDH showed the degree of gas gangrene.
Key words : gas gangrene, anaerobic bacteria, LDH, detection of bacteria