A rare presentation of diabetic foot ulcer with gas gangrene: A case report

Background: Diabetic foot ulcers are common complications of diabetes mellitus and can lead to severe infections. Gas gangrene, caused by Clostridium species, is a rare but life-threatening complication characterized by rapid tissue necrosis and systemic toxicity.Case Presentation: We report the case of a 40-year-old male with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes who presented with a rapidly progressing foot ulcer complicated by gas gangrene. Clinical examination revealed swelling, erythema, crepitus, and foul-smelling discharge. Imaging confirmed gas in soft tissues. The patient underwent emergency surgical debridement, broad-spectrum antibiotics, and adjunctive hyperbaric oxygen therapy, alongside strict glycemic control.Outcome: The patient showed significant clinical improvement with progressive wound healing and successful limb salvage without amputation.Conclusion: This case underscores the importance of early recognition and aggressive multidisciplinary management of gas gangrene in diabetic foot ulcers to reduce morbidity and mortality.