Necrotizing soft tissue infections of the body wall: Computed tomographic evaluation

The spectrum of soft tissue infection ranges from cellulitis to uncommon, but potentially fatal, diseases like necrotizing fasciitis and myonecrosis. The severity and extent of infection can be difficult to assess by physical examination alone. Computed tomography can accurately define the location and extent of infection as well as aid in its characterization. This information is critical in guiding surgical intervention in necrotizing soft tissue infections, which have a high mortality rate and require early recognition and aggressive surgical debridement. The presence of soft tissue gas or the involvement of deep fascia is highly suggestive of severe necrotizing soft tissue infection. We describe the computed tomographic appearance of three cases of necrotizing infection involving the fascia and muscles of the body wall.