An unusual complication of missed appendicitis

A case of necrotizing fasciitis complicating missed appendicitis with perforation and abscess formation in a 63-year-old diabetic is presented. The case emphasizes the importance of thorough, conservative evaluation and management in elderly diabetic patients. The ED management of patients with necrotizing fasciitis is also briefly reviewed.     

Necrotizing fasciitis due to acute perforated appendicitis: case report

Acute appendicitis is one of the most common surgical emergencies. Accurate diagnosis is often hindered due to various presentations that differ from the typical signs of appendicitis, especially the position of the appendix. A delay in treatment increases the likelihood of complications such as perforation, which is associated with an increase in morbidity and mortality rates. We herein present the case of a 76-year-old woman presenting with necrotizing fasciitis of the abdominal wall and right flank regions due to a perforated appendix. Such complication is extremely rare but life-threatening. It may be confused with cellulitis, causing a delay in aggressive treatment. This case represents an unusual complication of a common disease. Also, acute appendicitis or intra-abdominal pathologies should be taken into consideration in determining the cause of necrotizing fasciitis presenting over abdominal, flank, or perineal regions.     

Necrotizing fasciitis: a rare complication of appendicitis

The mortality of acute appendicitis increases sixfold if perforation occurs. We have reported a case of perforated appendix complicated by necrotizing fasciitis of the abdominal wall and retroperitoneum. We believe this complication has not been previously described in the English literature.     

大肠埃希菌引起阑尾炎所致腹壁坏死性筋膜炎CT影像学分析:附1例报告

目的对大肠埃希菌引起阑尾炎所致腹壁坏死性筋膜炎案例进行探讨。方法采用回顾性研究,总结1例由盲肠癌侵犯阑尾,由大肠埃希菌感染引起腹壁坏死性筋膜炎的影像学、组织细胞学、及病理学综合分析。结果该病例CT平扫表现为全腹壁弥漫性水肿,皮下广泛性积气,腰大肌脓肿,增强后呈环形强化,盲肠管壁不规则增厚,阑尾包绕其中,阑尾远端增粗、短缩,增强后明显强化,阑尾周围炎性渗出,取腹壁脓液细菌培养为大肠埃希菌,经肠镜及病理检查,证实盲肠腺癌,阑尾开口闭塞,经临床有效治疗后复查,腹壁脓肿、皮下积气明显减少。结论对于大肠埃希菌继发引起阑尾炎所致腹壁坏死性筋膜炎,应根据腹壁坏死性筋膜炎症状、体征及特点早期做出诊断,采取正确的检查方法,了解病变的范围及病因,为临床治疗提供及时、准备的信息。      

Case report of open appendectomy in treating acute perforated appendicitis with necrotizing fasciitis of the abdominal wall: A rare complication of a common disease

Acute appendicitis can be associated with uncommon complications such as necrotizing fasciitis. We present a case of a 37‐year‐old woman referred to our hospital with a 1‐week history of significant weakness, anorexia, and mild abdominal pain. According to laboratory and radiographic data, the patient was diagnosed with perforated appendicitis and gangrene.     

Missed epidural brain abscess after furunculosis

Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (ca-MRSA) has been implicated as a major cause of cutaneous skin infections. Invasive infections from ca-MRSA have also been reported, including endocarditis, pneumonia, and necrotizing fasciitis. We describe a case of a missed ca-MRSA epidural brain abscess in a patient with a recent furunculosis who underwent a lumbar puncture for meningitis workup without a prior head computed tomography. When dealing with invasive infections, physicians need to consider ca-MRSA as a possible cause.     

Streptococcal infection and necrotizing fasciitis--implications for rehabilitation: a report of 5 cases and review of the literature

Five cases are presented of patients who were diagnosed with necrotizing fasciitis secondary to (1) hip disarticulation (in a paraplegic patient); (2) tooth abscess with extensive neck dissection, complicated by sepsis and hypotension with resultant dysphagia and ischemic encephalopathy; (3) below-knee amputation, anoxia, and severe debility; (4) emergent above-knee amputation; and (5) percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy placement. The latter patient developed abdominal and chest wall necrotizing fasciitis that required skin grafting. Four patients were treated in an acute rehabilitation setting and returned home, and the fifth was rehabilitated in a subacute facility. This report emphasizes the importance of carefully monitoring rehabilitation patients, especially those with impaired sensation.     

超声诊断急性阑尾炎的价值

目的探讨超声诊断急性阑尾炎的价值。方法268例急性阑尾炎患者均行超声检查。结果268例患者中,急性单纯性阑尾炎135例,超声诊断119例,漏诊16例;急性化脓性阑尾炎115例,超声诊断108例,漏诊7例;急性坏疽性阑尾炎12例,超声诊断12例;阑尾周围脓肿6例,超声诊断5例,漏诊1例。结论超声检查对急性阑尾炎的诊断有重要价值。     

Ultrasonographic Screening of Clinically-suspected Necrotizing Fasciitis

OBJECTIVE: To determine the accuracy of ultrasonography for the diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis. METHODS: This study was a prospective observational review of patients with clinically-suspected necrotizing fasciitis presenting to the emergency department of an urban (Taipei) medical center between October 1996 and May 1998. All patients underwent ultrasonographic examination, with the ultrasonographic diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis based on the criterion of a diffuse thickening of the subcutaneous tissue accompanied by a layer of fluid accumulation more than 4 millimeters in depth along the deep fascial layer, when compared with the contralateral position on the corresponding normal limb. The final diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis was determined by pathological findings for patients who underwent fasciotomy or biopsy results for patients managed nonoperatively. RESULTS: Data were collected for 62 patients, of whom 17 (27.4%) were considered to suffer from necrotizing fasciitis. Ultrasonography revealed a sensitivity of 88.2%, a specificity of 93.3%, a positive predictive value of 83.3%, a negative predictive value of 95.4%, and an accuracy of 91.9% as regards the diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasonography can provide accurate information for emergency physicians for the diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis.     

Multiple dimensions of caring for a patient with acute necrotizing fasciitis.

Critical care nurses within acute care settings are responsible for providing healthcare to a wide variety of patients and, consequently, knowledge regarding how to care for a patient with acute necrotizing fasciitis is imperative. A case study is presented to evidence the need for a multidisciplinary approach. Necrotizing fasciitis is defined and treatment options are presented. Caring for this patient is very challenging and demands a multidisciplinary team to coordinate all aspects of care to promote better patient outcomes.     

The Relationship Between Fluid Accumulation in Ultrasonography and the Diagnosis and Prognosis of Patients with Necrotizing Fasciitis

Necrotizing fasciitis is a severe soft-tissue infection with a high mortality rate. There is little literature on the relationship between the ultrasonographic finding of fluid accumulation along the deep fascia and the diagnosis and prognosis of necrotizing fasciitis. This retrospective study showed that when fluid accumulation was present along the deep fascia, patients with clinically suspected necrotizing fasciitis had a higher probability of having necrotizing fasciitis. The ultrasonographic finding of fluid accumulation with a cutoff point of more than 2 mm of depth had the best accuracy (72.7%) for diagnosing necrotizing fasciitis. In regard to the prognosis of necrotizing fasciitis, when fluid accumulation was present along the deep fascia, patients with necrotizing fasciitis had a longer length of hospital stay and were at risk of amputation or mortality. Ultrasonography is a point-of-care imaging tool that facilitates the diagnosis and prognosis of necrotizing fasciitis.     

湿性愈合模式在肛周脓肿致坏死性筋膜炎患者伤口护理中的应用

目的：探讨湿性愈合模式在肛周脓肿致坏死性筋膜炎患者伤口护理中的应用及效果。方法回顾性分析、总结2010年1月-2013年5月收治的3例肛周脓肿致坏死性筋膜炎患者伤口治疗及护理经验。结果通过开放引流、瘘管科学处理,有效清创、控制感染、防止血流感染,合理固定、提高生活质量,科学营养支持、促进肉芽生长创面愈合,人文关怀、多学科协作促进康复等湿性愈合伤口护理,所有患者均愈合,无病死、致残。结论湿性愈合伤口护理在急性坏死性筋膜炎的创面治疗中可以促进伤口愈合、降低医疗风险,安全可行。     

低辐射有限范围CT扫描技术在未成年人急性阑尾炎中的应用价值

目的:探讨缩小扫描范围,减少辐射剂量在未成年人急性阑尾炎(MAA)诊断中的应用价值。方法:选取我院因疑似急性阑尾炎而行CT检查的例未成年患者80例,分别回顾全扫描(膈顶至耻骨联合下缘)和模拟有限范围扫描(L2椎体上缘至耻骨联合上缘)的CT影像,评估两者在阑尾的可视化、急性阑尾炎(AA)、替代诊断以及偶然发现上的差异。测定全扫描与有限范围扫描的全身有效剂量,进行配对t检验,判断两者有无统计学意义。结果:所有患者阑尾均在有限范围扫描中可见,与全扫描对照,有限范围扫没有遗漏一例AA,但却漏诊了二例替代诊断非结石性胆囊炎。全扫描全身有效平均剂量为5.45mSV,有限范围扫描平均有效剂量为3.1mSv,剂量减少了43.1%(P<0.001)。结论:对临床疑似MAA的患者,从L2椎体上缘扫描至耻骨联合上缘的有限范围扫描与全扫描一样准确,具有扫描范围小,辐射剂量低的优点,值得临床推广应用。     

阑尾炎的超声诊断及漏误诊原因分析

目的 探讨阑尾炎的超声诊断价值及漏误诊原因.方法 回顾性分析经手术病理确诊的69例阑尾炎患者的超声声像图,分析阑尾炎超声漏误诊原因.结果 69例阑尾炎,超声诊断符合率92.75%(64/69).其中单纯性阑尾炎17.39%(12/69),化脓性阑尾炎37.68%(26/69),坏疽性及穿孔性阑尾炎14.49%(10/69),阑尾周围脓肿7.24%(5/69),慢性阑尾炎急性发作4.35%(3/69),超声间接征象提示急性阑尾炎11.59%(8/69),漏诊2例,误诊3例.结论 超声对阑尾炎有较高的诊断价值.检查医师的技术、仪器质量、患者病情的复杂性及多样性是阑尾炎漏诊误诊的主要原因.     

Necrotizing fasciitis of cryptoglandular infection treated with multiple incisions and thread-dragging therapy: A case report

BACKGROUNDNecrotizing fasciitis is a fulminant necrotizing soft tissue disease with a high fatality rate. It always starts with impact on the deep fascia rapidly and might result in secondary necrosis of the subcutaneous tissue, fascia, and muscle. Thus, timely and multiple surgical operations are needed for the treatment. Meanwhile, the damage of skin and soft tissue caused by multiple surgical operations may require dermatoplasty and other treatments as a consequence. CASE SUMMARYHere, we report a case of 50-year-old male patient who was admitted to our hospital with symptoms of necrotizing fasciitis caused by cryptoglandular infection in the perianal and perineal region. The symptoms of necrotizing fasciitis, also known as the cardinal features, include hyperpyrexia, excruciatingly painful lesions, demonstration gas in the tissue, an obnoxious foul odor and uroschesis. The results of postoperative pathology met the diagnosis. Based on the premise of complete debridement, multiple incisions combined with thread-dragging therapy (a traditional Chinese medicine therapy) and intensive supportive therapies including comprising antibiotics, nutrition and fluids were given. The outcome of the treatment was satisfactory. The patient recovered quickly and achieved ideal anal function and morphology. CONCLUSIONTimely and effective debridement and multiple incisions combined with thread-dragging therapy are an integrated treatment for necrotizing fasciitis.     

Invasive group A streptococcal infections in Florida

BACKGROUND: Several previous studies of invasive Group A streptococcal (GAS) disease have been hindered by small sample sizes (< or = 100 patients) and limited generalizability. METHODS: We conducted a population-based study of invasive GAS disease. The objectives of the study were to describe the clinical features of individuals who were hospitalized for invasive GAS disease and to identify risk factors for hospital mortality. The cases were 257 patients who were hospitalized throughout Florida during a 4-year period and reported to the Florida Department of Health. Logistic regression was used to calculate adjusted odds ratios (OR) for mortality and 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: The overall mortality was 18% (41 of 228). Admission into an intensive care unit was a strong predictor of mortality (OR, 20.41; 95% CI, 6.41-64.96). Treatment with clindamycin reduced mortality in patients who had necrotizing fasciitis (OR, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.01-0.89) but not in patients who did not have necrotizing fasciitis (OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.31-3.33). CONCLUSION: Clindamycin reduces mortality in patients with invasive GAS disease who have necrotizing fasciitis.     

负压封闭引流技术治疗糖尿病并发坏死性筋膜炎的护理

目的探讨应用负压封闭引流技术(vacuum sealing drainage,VSD)治疗糖尿病并发坏死性筋膜炎的护理。方法对我科收治的13例2型糖尿病并发坏死性筋膜炎患者应用VSD治疗,探讨应用VSD治疗2型糖尿病并发坏死性筋膜炎患者的护理对策及其方法。结果 VSD治疗坏死性筋膜炎创面有较好的效果,可以促进创面肉芽组织生长,防止创面感染加重,减轻创面渗出,创面一期手术植皮均成活。12例患者创面全部愈合后出院;1例患者因坏死性筋膜炎创面较大,治疗过程中因并发大面积脑梗死而病死。结论 VSD治疗糖尿病并发坏死性筋膜炎患者的效果较好,值得推广。     

Necrotizing fasciitis in a renal transplant patient

We have described a 28-year-old diabetic woman who had necrotizing fasciitis of the perineum three years after receiving a living related renal transplant. The diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis was made early and she was referred to a tertiary care center where she received radical perineal debridement and aggressive medical and surgical follow-up. Necrotizing fasciitis in a transplant patient is rare; review of the literature shows few cases and no survivors. Our patient has returned to a normal life despite continuation of all immunosuppressive therapy throughout the entire hospital course. In addition, she had a good cosmetic result despite the large necrotic perineal infection. Her survival can be attributed to early diagnosis and referral, immediate and extensive debridement, and aggressive protein replacement.     

胆道术后肠瘘胆瘘合并坏死性筋膜炎患者的护理

目的总结胆道术后十二指肠瘘、胆瘘合并右侧胸腹壁坏死性筋膜炎患者的护理方法。方法回顾性分析2012年3月在扬州大学临床医学院普外科治疗的1例胆道术后肠瘘、胆瘘合并坏死性筋膜炎患者的临床资料,并总结其护理措施。结果经治疗,患者恢复全肠内营养,好转出院。结论早期清除坏死性筋膜炎创面,并密切观察创面情况,实施有针对性地护理,能有效促进营养物质的吸收、坏死性筋膜炎的恢复和瘘口的愈合。     

影响不典型阑尾炎超声诊断的Logistic二元回归分析

目的探讨导致不典型阑尾炎超声误诊及漏诊的影响因素。方法回顾性分析被漏诊或误诊的急性不典型阑尾炎的临床、解剖及超声等特点,并进行二元因素赋值,通过Logistic回归分析比较以上因素对超声诊断阑尾炎影响。结果经6步回归分析,发现大量肠气、右下腹积液、腹膜后位阑尾、右下腹局部回声增强是成人阑尾炎被超声误诊漏诊是主要原因,而肠系膜淋巴结显影及憩室炎是小儿阑尾炎误诊的主要因素（均P=0.000,且模型分类判对率均大于85%）。结论右下腹回声增强、积液以及肠内气体干扰是导致超声误诊漏诊急性阑尾炎的主要原因,对于小儿急性右下腹痛应仔细鉴别其与肠系膜淋巴结炎及麦克尔憩室炎的区别。