A case of gas gangrene in a vesico-vaginal fistula

A case of gas gangrene is presented. The patient was a 78-year-old woman who was admitted with the diagnosis of vesico-vaginal fistula. Cystography revealed a vesico-intestinal fistula and leakage of contrast medium into the prevesical space, in addition to the vesico-vaginal fistula. Right ureterostomy was performed. Two weeks postoperatively, she complained of severe pain and swelling of her right thigh. The swelling grew rapidly and general condition became worse. A diagnosis of gas gangrene was made 8 days after her first complaint by demonstrating subcutaneous and intramuscular gas formation in X-ray. She died the next day. By the bacteriological examination, this case was non-clostridial gas gangrene.