Necrotizing fasciitis: a dramatic surgical emergency.

OBJECTIVES: Necrotizing fasciitis is a challenging and potentially lethal disease; early diagnosis is of paramount importance and aggressive multidisciplinary treatment is mandatory. Overall mortality rates of 33-73% have been reported. The aim of this study was to report the experience with necrotizing fasciitis of an emergency surgery department. METHODS: From October 1995 to December 2001 we observed 11 cases of necrotizing fasciitis. The patients were five men and six women, with ages ranging from 33 to 80 years. RESULTS: Triggering aetiological factors were found in eight cases. In all patients a multidisciplinary approach was utilized. Every patient had a daily surgical debridement of the necrotic areas in the operating room. Polyantibiotic therapy was performed, and was changed according to culture results. After surgery, nine patients were submitted to hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Seven deaths (63.6%) were observed: two cases of pulmonary embolism and five cases of septic shock. Four patients survived; three had a complete recovery with progressive healing of the wounds, whereas one patient had severe impairment of the motility of the affected hand. The mean interval between the onset of symptoms and hospital admission was 5.4 days; for patients who ultimately died it was 7.3 days, whereas for patients who ultimately survived it was 2 days (P<0.05); moreover these patients were significantly younger than those who died (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The treatment for necrotizing fasciitis is a combination of surgical debridement, appropriate antibiotics and optimal oxygenation of the infected tissues. However, the mortality for this disease is quite high, and is related to late diagnosis and advanced age. Necrotizing fasciitis must be considered a true dramatic surgical emergency.     

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.     

Yokenella regensburgei necrotizing fasciitis in an immunocompromised host

We report a case of necrotizing skin infection caused by Yokenella regensburgei in an immunosuppressed patient with orthotopic liver transplantation. Initial bacterial culture identification was suggestive of Hafnia alvei. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) confirmed identification of Y. regensburgei. Necrotizing fasciitis is potentially fatal and requires aggressive management, including early diagnosis, appropriate antibiotic selection, and operative debridement.     

Early diagnosis of retroperitoneal necrotizing fasciitis

OBJECTIVE: To report survival of retroperitoneal necrotizing fasciitis in an inmunocompromised patient and to demonstrate early clinical signs that may help in the prompt diagnosis and treatment of this severe infection. DESIGN: Case report and literature review. SETTING: An adult, 18-bed intensive care unit within a university hospital. PATIENT: A 38-yr-old man who had undergone an uncomplicated closed hemorrhoidectomy was readmitted to the hospital on postoperative day 5 for erythema around the hemorrhoidectomy and a dirty brown discharge from the wound. INTERVENTIONS: Early diagnosis of retroperitoneal necrotizing fasciitis, wide and repeated debridement, broad-spectrum antibiotics, and eventual abdominal wall reconstruction. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: This patient manifested periumbilical and bilateral flank erythema, reminiscent of the pattern of ecchymosis seen in cases of retroperitoneal hemorrhage. The findings demonstrate a variation of Cullen's and Grey Turner's sign, most often found in patients with hemorrhagic pancreatitis. An abdominal radiograph revealed a ground glass appearance with radiolucency outlining the bladder, consistent with retroperitoneal air. The chest radiograph showed mediastinal air extending into the neck. Sharp debridement of the retroperitoneal fat, the right anterior rectus sheath, and the right anterior thigh fascia was required to gain control of the infection. Operative cultures grew a mixed flora with Eschericha coli, beta-hemolytic streptococcus, and Bacteroides fragilis predominating. The hospital course was complicated by hemodynamic instability, renal failure, pneumonia, and a pelvic abscess. The patient ultimately survived and underwent abdominal wall reconstruction with mesh. CONCLUSION: Retroperitoneal necrotizing fasciitis is an uncommon soft tissue infection that is often fatal. Early diagnosis in this case was facilitated by the unique clinical findings of a modified Cullen's and Grey Turner's sign. A review of the limited available literature suggests that survival of retroperitoneal fasciitis is possible with prompt debridement and antibiotic therapy.     

Necrotizing fasciitis: early sonographic diagnosis

Necrotizing fasciitis is a rare, but potentially fatal bacterial infection of the soft tissues. Establishing the diagnosis at the early stages of the disease remains the greatest challenge. We report a case of necrotizing fasciitis involving the upper extremity. Sonography revealed subcutaneous emphysema spreading along the deep fascia, swelling, and increased echogenicity of the overlying fatty tissue with interlacing fluid collections. The patient responded well to early surgical debridement and parenteral antibiotics.     

Salvage of limb and function in necrotizing fasciitis of the hand: role of hyperbaric oxygen treatment and free muscle flap coverage

We report a case of necrotizing fasciitis of the hand treated by urgent debridement followed by serial debridements, hyperbaric oxygen, and delayed free muscle flap coverage. After control of the infection, a major soft-tissue defect remained on the dorsum of the wrist and hand, exposing all extensor tendons. A rectus muscle free flap was used for wound coverage and salvage of the exposed tendons; the muscle flap was covered with a delayed skin graft. The patient regained satisfactory function with ability to extend all digits. This case emphasizes the importance of aggressive debridement and hyperbaric oxygen treatment and shows the valuable role of free muscle flap wound coverage for preservation of function in cases of necrotizing fasciitis of the hand.     

Burn center management of necrotizing fasciitis

Necrotizing fasciitis is a rapidly progressive soft-tissue infection associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Necrotizing fasciitis is similar to invasive burn wound infection in that diagnosis requires histologic examination of affected tissue and treatment requires aggressive surgical debridement followed by skin autograft. Transfer to a burn center facilitates the management of necrotizing fasciitis, where requisite surgical and nursing expertise is available. We reviewed the experience of one burn center in the management of necrotizing fasciitis over a 5-year period. Ten patients were transferred to the burn center from other medical facilities for care, arriving a mean of 8.9 days after initial hospital admission. The diagnosis was made by a surgical service or consultation before transfer in all cases; initial admission to a medical rather than a surgical service delayed surgery in five cases. All patients had surgical debridement before transfer but required a mean of 5.1 additional operations at the burn center. Although the mean extent of involvement was 14.8% body surface area, the mean length of burn center stay was 34.9 days. Complications were frequent, including pulmonary failure requiring mechanical ventilation (n = 6), renal insufficiency or failure (n = 5), hypotension requiring pressers (n = 4), deep venous thrombosis (n = 3), and pulmonary emboli (n = 1). Overall mortality was 2 of 10 patients (20%). Both fatalities were associated with delay in initial surgical procedure and in transfer to the burn center. The similarity of necrotizing fasciitis and invasive burn wound infection makes the burn center the ideal setting for the treatment of this disease. We advocate the addition of necrotizing fasciitis to the list of conditions currently recognized by the American Burn Association as appropriate for burn center transfer and care.     

Rapidly advancing necrotizing fasciitis caused by Photobacterium (Vibrio) damsela: a hyperaggressive variant

OBJECTIVE: To describe the first case of Vibrio damsela necrotizing fasciitis in New England, emphasizing the importance of very early operative intervention to achieve source control in this extremely aggressive infection. DESIGN: Case report. SETTING: Surgical intensive care unit at Tufts-New England Medical Center in Boston, MA. PATIENT: A 69-yr-old retired fisherman with rapidly progressive necrotizing fasciitis from Photobacterium (Vibrio) damsela infection and ensuing multiple-system organ failure. INTERVENTIONS: Surgical debridement, ventilator support, vasopressors, continuous veno-venous hemofiltration, and blood product transfusions. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Death. CONCLUSIONS: A high index of suspicion is necessary for the diagnosis of this specific pathogen and concordant infection. The willingness to surgically debride and amputate without hesitation at a very early point may be the only intervention capable of saving the lives of patients affected by Photobacterium (Vibrio) damsela.     

Vacuum-assisted closure use in calciphylaxis

Calciphylaxis-induced chronic wounds are difficult to heal. The value of vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) was assessed in two patients with calciphylaxis. Two middle-aged females with type 2 diabetes were transferred to the burn unit with a clinical diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis, although the pathologic diagnosis was calciphylaxis. With extensive debridement, antibiotics, and meticulous wound care, one patient had progressive necrosis of her skin from 18 to 48% TBSA, whereas the other progressed from 5 to 10% TBSA only. The patient with the smaller chronic wound healed well and left the hospital at 72 days after admission. Although there was some success with the use of VAC, the patient with the extensive progressive wounds developed a fungal wound infection that did not respond to treatment; she died 78 days after initiation of burn center treatment. Some disadvantages to the usefulness would be extensive contiguous wounds and the lack of an intact skin surface. The VAC system was of value in healing wounds resulting from calciphylaxis.     

A fatal case of necrotizing Aeromonas schubertii fasciitis after penetrating injury

Necrotizing fasciitis is an uncommon but life-threatening condition with a high associated mortality and morbidity. Most infections are polymicrobial, another distinct form of necrotizing fasciitis that occurred by penetrating freshwater trauma, such as fishing or wading in wet fields. Aeromonas species are responsible. The rapidity of the infectious process is similar to that of clostridial infection, but gas production is not a consistent feature. We report a patient who presented with fever, chills, and bullae on left forearm, despite antibiotics and wound debridement; the infection extend to mid humerus with a rapid onset of skin necrosis and progressive sepsis. Aeromonas schubertii fasciitis is particularly virulent. An apparent superficial cellulitis that fails to respond to standard therapy must raise suspicion of a more extensive underlying subcutaneous infection. Aggressive surgical debridement and antibiotic coverage for gram-negative rods are the essential features of treatment. Delay caused by a mistaken diagnosis of cellulitis and subsequent inadequate debridement would likely prove fatal.     

Eyelid Necrotizing Fasciitis: What Were the Early Signs?

Background

Necrotizing fasciitis is a rare, life-threatening subcutaneous soft tissue infection that causes massive tissue destruction.

Objectives

To illustrate the warning signs of this condition by reporting a rare case of eyelid necrotizing fasciitis.

Case Report

A previously healthy 22-year-old man presented with a preseptal eyelid infection that spread rapidly despite prompt treatment with several intravenous antibiotics. He developed the characteristic clinical and radiologic features of necrotizing fasciitis, and required surgical debridement to cure the infection. Histology confirmed the diagnosis.

Conclusion

In this article, we suggest the indicators that may enable physicians to think of the development of necrotizing fasciitis in patients with infections of the skin and subcutis.     

28例急性坏死性筋膜炎的临床分析

目的：探讨急性坏死性筋膜炎的早期诊断及治疗。方法：回顾分析28例急性坏死性筋膜炎的临床资料,并对其发生原因部位、诊断和治疗方法进行讨论。结果：28例中27例经及时广泛切开、彻底清创、通畅引流,有效抗生素应用和支持治疗,本组26例治愈,2例死亡。结论：提高对本病的认识,早期诊断,及时手术和术后综合治疗是提高本病治愈率的关键。     

Necrotizing fasciitis: a challenging diagnosis.

The objective of the study was to evaluate our recent experience in diagnosis and management of necrotizing fasciitis. Records of patients who were diagnosed as having necrotizing fasciitis at Al-Ain Hospital in the period between March 2003 and August 2005 were studied retrospectively with regard to clinical features, risk factors, diagnosis, causative organisms, treatment, and outcome. Eleven patients, eight of whom were men of low socio-economic status, were studied. The median age (range) was 46 (8-65) years. The main risk factor was diabetes mellitus in seven patients (64%). The provisional clinical diagnosis was incorrect in seven patients (64%). Pure beta-hemolytic streptococcus group A or B was the causative organism in five patients (46%). Most of our patients underwent multiple surgical debridements with a median range of two (1-11) operations. Two patients died (overall mortality rate 18%). High clinical suspicion is essential for the diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis. Accurate early diagnosis, aggressive resuscitation, using proper antibiotics, and extensive surgical debridement are essential for a favorable outcome.     

A case of necrotizing fasciitis following Edwardsiella tarda septicemia with gastroenteritis

Edwardsiella tarda is an uncommon pathogen that causes gastroenteritis in humans and is found in the aquatic environment. In rare cases, it also causes fatal infections, including sepsis and necrotizing fasciitis. However, it remains unknown whether E. tarda gastroenteritis could lead to these lethal diseases via hematogenous spread. Here we have reported a previously healthy 64-year-old woman with necrotizing fasciitis consecutively caused by E. tarda septicemia with gastroenteritis. The patient was transferred to the emergency department due to disturbance of consciousness and hypotension after suffering from diarrhea for a month. As whole-body computed tomography (CT) revealed an edematous change in the small intestine, septic shock following gastroenteritis was suspected, and the patient was immediately started on empiric antibiotic therapy and provided critical care. Her general physical conditions gradually began improving, but, on day 7, rapidly appearing blisters on both the lower limbs were noted, and she was accordingly examined again by conducting a CT scan. Based on the results, she was diagnosed with necrotizing fasciitis in both lower extremities, and surgical debridement was rapidly performed. Microbiological analysis of the specimens revealed E. tarda bacteremia, which suggested that E. tarda caused a series of infections in this patient. Finally, she fully recovered and was discharged within 3 months. Cumulatively, we proposed that gastroenteritis by E. tarda could directly result in fatal infections through the blood stream.     

Diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis in children.

Necrotizing fasciitis is a rare but progressive soft tissue infection. This condition is difficult to recognize in the early phase, when it is often confused with cellulitis. We report the cases of four children with necrotizing fasciitis. The initial presentation in these cases was cellulitis. Fever and soft tissue swelling occurred within 24 h and spreading erythema within 4 to 12 h. Radiologic studies of the lesions showed soft tissue thickening. Ultrasonography of the lesions demonstrated distorted, thickened fascia with fluid accumulation. Well-defined, loculated abscesses were demonstrated in two cases. Although typical dusky skin and purplish patches were not found in our cases, necrotizing fasciitis was strongly suspected on the basis of the clinical course and sonographic findings. Ultrasonography also was used as a guide for aspiration of pus. Gram-stained smears and bacterial cultures yielded the pathogens. The choice of antibiotic therapy was made on the results of smears and culture. All patients survived after immediate surgical debridement, intensive antibiotic therapy, and aggressive wound care. In conclusion, ultrasonography provides a rapid and valuable diagnostic modality for necrotizing fasciitis. The pus obtained through sonographically guided aspiration for bacterial culture can allow identification of the pathogenic organisms.     

Necrotizing fasciitis: pathogenesis and treatment

Necrotizing fasciitis is a rapidly progressive, life-threatening infection and a true infectious disease emergency. Despite much clinical experience, the management of this disease remains suboptimal, with mortality rates remaining approximately 30%. Necrotizing fasciitis rarely presents with obvious signs and symptoms and delays in diagnosis enhance mortality. Therefore, successful patient care depends on the physician's acumen and index of suspicion. Prompt surgical debridement, intravenous antibiotics, fluid and electrolyte management, and analgesia are mainstays of therapy. Adjunctive clindamycin, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and intravenous immunoglobulin are frequently employed in the treatment of necrotizing fasciitis, but their efficacy has not been rigorously established. Improved understanding of the pathogenesis of necrotizing fasciitis has revealed new targets for rationally designed therapies to improve morbidity and mortality.     

A case of necrotizing fasciitis caused by coagulase-negative staphylococcus: utility of magnetic resonance imaging for the preoperative diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis

A 70-year-old woman presented with fever and pain in the right lower extremity. Fat-suppressed gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed contrast-enhanced fascia, fluid accumulation, and hypointense signals in the muscles. Surgical interventions including incisions and insertion of drainage tubes were performed on the basis of the MRI findings. The histopathological examinations of surgically obtained biopsy specimens demonstrated suppurative fasciitis, widespread myonecrosis, and thromboses of the vessels, all of which were compatible with a diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis. The bacterial cultures were positive for a coagulase-negative staphylococcus. Following the surgical interventions, the patient was successfully treated by aggressive antimicrobial therapy. MRI can thus be useful for differentiating necrotizing fasciitis from nonnecrotizing soft tissue infection and for planning the treatment of necrotizing fasciitis.     

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.     

Experience with necrotizing fasciitis at a burn care center

Necrotizing fasciitis is a soft tissue infection that causes necrosis of subcutaneous tissue and fascia but usually spares skin and muscle. Management of this condition consists of early diagnosis, broad-spectrum antibiotic coverage, aggressive surgical debridement, wound closure, and intensive supportive care. Mortality estimates reported in the literature have ranged from 20 to 75%. We report the cases of 12 patients treated at the Joseph M. Still Burn Center in Augusta, GA. Because aggressive surgical debridement combined with medical support is required for successful treatment, we recommend that treatment be administered at a burn care center. We performed a retrospective chart review of all patients admitted to our center with a diagnosis of necrotizing fascitis between May 1, 1995, and June 1, 2000. Patients were managed collaboratively by burn surgeons and critical care intensivists in consultation with other appropriate specialists. The mean time from initial diagnosis until transfer to the burn center was 14 days (range, 0-60 d). Complications included pneumonia, heart failure, metabolic abnormalities, anemia, and sepsis. Four (33%) of the 12 patients died, with the primary cause of death being multiorgan failure. Although our sample size is too small to reach statistical significance, the data suggest that early referral to a burn or wound care center improves patient outcome.     

Rapidly progressive septic shock,associated with necrotizing fasciitis

A case is presented of a 59-year-old male with rapidly progressive septic shock and necrotizing fasciitis. The patient was admitted in shock with an extensive skin lesion on the anterior chest wall. The history was relatively short and there was only a questionable history of preceding trauma. Necrotizing fasciitis was suspected from the appearance of the lesion. Antibiotics and anti-shock therapy were given but despite this, his condition deteriorated and he died from septic shock. At autopsy, the diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis was confirmed. The importance of rapid diagnosis and primary surgical therapy is emphasized.