Abstract
Retroperitonitis is often found after operation for various diseases of the digestive tract and kidney. We encountered a case of retroperitonitis in which rectal perforation led to perirectal abscesses, inflammation spread from the retroperitoneal cavity to the chest, neck and mediastinum, and retroperitonitis was demonstrated in association with subcutaneous emphysema of the chest. This case is reported with a review of the literature.
A 57-year-old male visited our hospital because of anal pain and malaise. Chest X-rays demonstrated subcutaneous emphysema. CT revealed abscesses containing gas and extending from the neck to mediastinum, thoracoabdominal wall, retroperitoneal cavity, and perirectal areas. The patient was successfully treated by the administration of antibiotics and drainage.
Retroperitonitis is likely to spread rapidly in a manner similar to phlegmon, and when it is associated with perforation of the digestive tract, it is often caused by mixed infection of Gram-negative rod-shaped bacteria and anaerobic bacteria with varying enzyme activities. Therefore, the condition may resist antibiotics, and the outcome is often unfavorable. Early detection and appropriate early treatment are considered to be needed.
