Gas-forming infections
- emphysematous cystitis or pyelonephritis – usually E. coli or Klebsiella
- emphysematous cholecystitis – 1/3 Clostridium perfringens, the rest are mostly E. coli or Klebsiella
- gas gangrene/ myonecrosis – Clostridium perfringens; C. septicum is associated with colon cancer (as is C. bovis)
- Vibrio vulnificans – salt water, bullous lesions, liver disease
- pneumocystis intestinalis = gas in the intestinal wall, seen in ischemic gut, COPD, necrotizing enterocolitis; associated with steroids and chemotherapy.
- Chilaiditi’s sign – a loop of colon overlying the liver mimicking free air under the right diaphragm (can be distinguished by the presence of haustra)
- necrotizing fasciitis – I = polymicrobial, II = S. pyogenes – gas results from necrosis
- Aeromonas hydrophila – associated with crocodile/ alligator bites and fish; bullous lesions, liver disease – mimics Vibro vulniicans
- Clostridium sordelei – normal flora of female genital tract; associated with abortions
Critical Care
Compendium
Chris is an Intensivist and ECMO specialist at The Alfred ICU, where he is Deputy Director (Education). He is a Clinical Adjunct Associate Professor at Monash University, the Lead for the Clinician Educator Incubator programme, and a CICM First Part Examiner.
He is an internationally recognised Clinician Educator with a passion for helping clinicians learn and for improving the clinical performance of individuals and collectives. He was one of the founders of the FOAM movement (Free Open-Access Medical education) has been recognised for his contributions to education with awards from ANZICS, ANZAHPE, and ACEM.
His one great achievement is being the father of three amazing children.
On Bluesky, he is @precordialthump.bsky.social and on the site that Elon has screwed up, he is @precordialthump.
| INTENSIVE | RAGE | Resuscitology | SMACC
