Citrobacter freundii and fatal neutropenic enterocolitis following adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer

Abstract Neutropenic enterocolitis is increasingly being recognized as a life-threatening complication of chemotherapy, mainly for haematological and lym-phoproliferative malignancies. It is under-recognized clinically, with the diagnosis often being made on post-mortem examination. Although active medical management is generally preferred, surgical intervention may be indicated. We report a case of fatal neutropenic enterocolitis, secondary to i , following adjuvant, following adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer. We also review the literature, examining the aetiology, diagnosis and management of this often fatal entity.