A CASE OF PERFORATED CERVICAL ESOPHAGEAL CANCER WHICH RESULTED IN AN ABRUPT DEATH

Abstract

This paper describes a case of perforated cervical esophageal cancer which rsulted in an abrupt death shortly after the perforation.
A 59-year-old man complaining of dysphagia had a past history of untreated diabetes mellitus. Infection at the perforated lesion was caused by anaerobic bacterias, however, no examination nor treatment considering anaerobic bacteria was performed. The infection rapidly progressed to necrotizing fascitis (NF), and the patient died of sepsis. NF has a high mortality rate, accordingly the early diagnosis and active treatment are indispensable. The following considerations should be emphasized: 1) we should keep anaerobic bacteria as possible causative ones in mind for the infections in compromised hosts like this case; and 2) once necrotizing fascitis has developed, immediate open drainage and complete surgical debridement are demanded.