Upper gastrointestinal bleeding related to emphysematous cholecystitis due to Clostridium perfringens.

We describe the case of a 46-year-old man admitted for upper gastrointestinal bleeding in the context of cirrhosis. A deep bleeding duodenal ulcer was treated by sclerotherapy. Abdominal pain and fever lead us to perform an abdominal computed tomography, which demonstrated emphysematous cholecystitis. An emergency cholecystectomy was performed and antimicrobial therapy initiated. The patient recovered uneventfully. Links between ulcers and emphysematous cholecystitis are discussed. Copyright 2009 International Society for Infectious Diseases. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.