Fournier's Gangrene in an Elderly Male: A Case Report.

Fournier's gangrene (FG) is a rapidly progressing necrotizing soft tissue infection of the perineum with potential multiorgan involvement, posing significant mortality risks. This case report highlights the clinical presentation, potential risk factors, and emphasizes the critical necessity of immediate antibiotic therapy and surgical debridement, regardless of the causative agents involved. We also aim to provide new images to better visualize a diagnosis of Fournier's gangrene. We present the case of a 65-year-old male with a history of self-care neglect, hypertension, and extensive tobacco use. The patient presented to the emergency department exhibiting classical symptoms of systemic illness, necessitating a collaborative diagnostic and therapeutic approach involving various medical specialties including family medicine, urology, general surgery, interventional radiology, infectious disease, pharmacy, intensive care, social service, and palliative care teams. Despite aggressive interventions during his 24-day hospitalization, the patient's clinical condition progressively deteriorated. This case underscores the significance of early detection, timely intervention, and interdisciplinary cooperation in optimizing outcomes for patients with Fournier's gangrene.

Early Diagnosis and Treatment Outcomes of Fournier Gangrene in a Tertiary Center.

INTRODUCTION: Fournier gangrene is an uncommon urological emergency caused by microbial agents, resulting in necrosis of the genitalia and perineum. This study aims to evaluate the outcomes of early diagnosis and management of Fournier gangrene at KAMC in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at KAMC, Saudi Arabia. The study population included all adult patients diagnosed with Fournier gangrene between 2015 and 2022. Data analysis was performed using RStudio (RStudio, Boston, MA). Frequencies and percentages were used to present categorical data, while medians and interquartile ranges were used to express numerical variables. RESULTS: The study included 41 patients with Fournier gangrene, the majority (95.12%) being male with a median age of 60 years. The most prevalent comorbidity was diabetes mellitus (85.37%). Ten patients presented to the hospital with sepsis, two of whom were in shock. Within 90 days of admission, two of them had expired. This resulted in a 20% mortality rate among septic patients. The mean FGSI in patients who had died during hospital stays was approximately two times the mean in surviving patients (8.17 and 4.32, respectively). The most utilized imaging study was a CT scan (70.7%). Most patients had undergone multiple debridements (87.7%). The median number of debridements per patient was three, and the interval between each debridement was three days. The most frequent tissue culture finding was mixed organisms, followed by Escherichia coli. Regarding empiric antibiotics, tazocin was the most used, accounting for 22.0%. The most frequently performed adjunctive procedure was the placement of a suprapubic catheter, accounting for 41.5%. Roughly 43.90% required a blood transfusion. Within 90 days of admission, six patients had died, which makes the mortality rate 14.6%. Four of them had died within 30 days of admission (9.76%). CONCLUSION: Fournier gangrene is a surgical emergency that requires prompt attention and resuscitation, antibiotic therapy, and surgical debridement. The study identified the demographic factors of patients who presented with the disease and provided the incidence, mortality rate, and outcomes of the disease. It also identified specifics of the pharmacological and surgical management and hospital courses.

Comprehensive management and outcomes in female patients with Fournier's gangrene: A case report.

Fournier's gangrene is a severe, life-threatening form of necrotizing fasciitis that predominantly affects the perineal, genital, and perianal areas. It is characterized by a rapid onset and progression, often developing from urogenital infections, diabetes, compromised immune function, or trauma. This report describes the case of a 64-year-old woman who presented with perianal pain and purulent discharge persisting for a week. Upon examination, a substantial necrotic wound was identified in her perineal region, necessitating urgent surgical debridement followed by aggressive postoperative management, including antibiotic therapy and meticulous blood sugar control. Despite initial signs of improvement, the patient's condition deteriorated due to complications from diabetes, acidosis, and pneumonia, ultimately leading to a fatal outcome. This case highlights the critical need for prompt recognition and comprehensive management of Fournier's gangrene, particularly in female patients exhibiting similar symptoms.

Socioeconomic status affects amputation and mortality rates in necrotizing fasciitis patients.

PURPOSE: Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a rare, but rapidly progressing bacterial infection of the subcutaneous tissues and muscular fascia with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Our study aims to determine if socioeconomic status (SES) is a predictor of outcomes in NF. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of patients diagnosed with NF at our institution. Demographic information, insurance status, medical and surgical history, vitals, ASA score, blood laboratory values, surgical procedure information, and outcomes prior to patient discharge were collected. Patient zip codes were utilized to obtain median household incomes at the time of the patient's surgical procedure to determine SES. Patients without complete data in their medical record were excluded. Initial descriptive statistics and logistic regression models were performed. RESULTS: We identified 196 patients (mean age 50.13 ± 13.03 years, 31.6% female) for inclusion. Mortality rate was 15.3% (n = 30) and 33.7% (n = 66) underwent amputation. Mortality rate was not significantly different across income brackets. Lower income brackets had higher rates of amputation than higher income brackets (p < 0.05). A logistic regression models showed the rate of amputation decreases by 29% for every $10,000 increment in median household income and ASA score decreased by 0.15 units for every $10,000 increase in median household income. CONCLUSIONS: Amputation rates in cases of NF are significantly higher in lower SES groups than higher SES groups. Patients with perivascular disease in lower SES groups were more likely to experience serious complications of NF than their counterparts in higher SES groups.

Reliability of superficial swab culture results compared with deep wound culture results in Fournier's gangrene: A retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES: To compare isolates from deep wound and superficial swab cultures to evaluate the detectability of pathogens by each culture in Fournier's gangrene; and evaluate the association between microorganisms isolated from deep wounds and those isolated from blood or urine. METHODS: Patients with Fournier's gangrene who underwent debridement between October 2006 and January 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. In addition to comparing the isolates from deep wound cultures at initial debridement with those from superficial swab, blood, and urine cultures, the relationship between the traits of the organisms from deep wounds and patient disease severity and prognosis was examined. RESULTS: Among 25 patients, deep wound and superficial swab cultures were obtained from 25 to 18 patients, respectively. The frequency of anaerobic isolates was significantly lower in the superficial cultures than in the deep wound cultures (31/76 versus 13/56, p = 0.034). Bacteria not isolated from deep wounds were isolated from superficial cultures in 55.6 % of the patients; the concordance rate between deep and superficial cultures was 27.8 % (5/18). The positive rates of blood and urine cultures were 20.8 % and 35.7 %, respectively; all isolates from the urine and blood cultures reflected the results of the deep wound culture. No significant association was observed between the severity or mortality and the type of causative bacteria. CONCLUSIONS: Superficial swab cultures cannot be substituted for deep wound cultures in Fournier's gangrene. Although the positivity rates for blood and urine cultures were not high, they were helpful in determining antibiotic de-escalation.

Anterior Abdominal Wall Necrotizing Fasciitis Following Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy With Hiatal Hernia Repair: A Case Report.

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF), commonly known as necrotizing soft tissue infection (NSTI), or flesh-eating disease is a rare but rapidly fatal aggressive bacterial infection of soft tissue and deep skin that results in the destruction of the underlying fascia. Symptoms include fever, tachycardia, hypotension, leukocytosis, pain, and large areas of red and swollen skin. Early diagnosis and aggressive management are compulsory for a better prognosis. In this case report, we present a 58-year-old obese woman who initially presented to the emergency department three weeks post-sleeve gastrectomy with hernia repair and was initially suspected of having a large, uncomplicated abdominal wall abscess. Several repeated drainages of the abdominal wall abscess and continued deterioration of the patient revealed foul-smelling, necrotic tissue and the subsequent diagnosis of NF. This case report highlights the importance of high clinical suspicion for NF and early, aggressive debridement and treatment to improve patient outcomes.

Necrotizing Fasciitis Co-existing With Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Case Report of a Diagnostic Dilemma.

Necrotizing fasciitis is an uncommon yet highly dangerous bacterial infection characterized by rapid spread along the fascial planes and subcutaneous tissue, leading to extensive tissue necrosis and often resulting in death. The swift progression of necrosis can induce systemic sepsis, toxic shock syndrome, and multi-organ failure. While necrotizing fasciitis of the neck is rare, it typically originates from dental or pharyngeal sources. Successful treatment hinges on early diagnosis, appropriate antibiotic therapy, and surgical intervention for tissue debridement. This article presents the case of a 40-year-old individual with necrotizing fasciitis of the neck. We herein review the clinical features, pathogenesis, and treatment approach for the case. Rapid recovery necessitated comprehensive medical treatment targeting the underlying cause with aggressive supportive measures. Surgical intervention involved thorough debridement to remove necrotic tissue, irrigation with antiseptic solutions, and early application of topical antimicrobials.

An Unusual Case of Lynch Syndrome.

Lynch syndrome is the most common cause of hereditary colorectal cancer. It usually develops asymptomatically until symptoms related to colorectal carcinoma appear, such as gastrointestinal bleeding, abdominal pain, and changes in bowel habits and/or stool characteristics. Oftentime, when these clinical signs and symptoms are not present, the diagnosis becomes challenging. We present the clinical case of a 69-year-old woman, adopted, with no known previous history, who presented to the emergency department with low back pain, without irradiation, that had been going on for three days, associated with inflammatory signs in the right hip region. There were no urinary or sensory alterations and no recent trauma. She was initially discharged with antibiotherapy with the diagnosis of hip cellulitis. As the symptoms continued and the inflammation spread to the right lower limb, she returned to the emergency department. A CT scan revealed an abscess (17 cm) in the right buttock, complicated by necrotizing fasciitis due to fistulization from a tumor in the right colon. She underwent an exploratory laparotomy, which identified a neoplasm of the ascending colon, adherent to the abdominal wall, in the right lumbar region. Right hemicolectomy and drainage of the right buttock/thigh abscess were performed. The histology was compatible with invasive adenocarcinoma, with high-grade dysplasia but well differentiated, pT3G1N0. The immunohistochemistry was suggestive of Lynch syndrome.

Fournier's Gangrene Surgical Reconstruction: A Systematic Review.

Fournier's gangrene (FG) is a rare form of necrotizing fasciitis of the perineal, genital, or perianal region. It is characterized by an aggressive course and high mortality rate, over 20%. FG demands immediate treatment including resuscitation maneuvers, intravenous antibiotic therapy and early surgical debridement. Background/Objectives: The gold-standard treatment for FG is surgical reconstruction. However, up to date, no precise guidelines exist. Thus, we decided to systematically review the literature, focusing on FG contemporary approaches to reconstructive surgery, aiming to analyze the various reconstructive strategies and their specific indications. Methods: A systematic review was carried out according to the PRISMA statement by searching various databases from April 2014 to April 2024, using the terms ''Fournier Gangrene OR Fournier Gangrene Reconstruction OR Fournier Gangrene Treatment OR Fournier Gangrene Plastic Surgery OR Necrotizing Fasciitis OR Necrotizing Fasciitis AND Reconstruction". The eligibility criteria included original studies aimed at discussing FG reconstruction with at least three clinical cases. Results: The final synthesis included 38 articles, and 576 reconstructions were described. Of these, 77.6% were minimally invasive strategies (direct closure, secondary healing, grafts, and local random flaps), while more invasive reconstructions (loco-regional flaps based on known vascular anatomy) were adopted in 22.4%. No free flaps were reported. Conclusions: FG requires immediate medical interventions including broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy, surgical debridement, adjuvant therapies, and reconstructive surgeries. Taking into account the anatomical characteristics of the inguinal-crural region, skin grafts and local random flaps could offer versatile and effective reconstructions for most FG cases, while the more invasive strategies should be reserved for very few cases. Future research is warranted to define an FG dedicated reconstruction protocol.

Necrotizing Fasciitis: When skin confuses - An autopsy case report.

Necrotizing Fasciitis (NF) is a severe life-threatening soft tissue infection characterized by the rapid destruction of muscle, fat and fascial layers. This report details an autopsy case report of a 40year old male, unclaimed body lacking the complete history except that given by the Police personnel accompanying in which there is no prior history of trauma. This person succumbed to septic shock secondary to NF, despite clinical interventions. This case emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and the need for heightened clinical awareness to improve patient outcomes.

Unmasking the Silent Threat: Meleney's Synergistic Gangrene in a Healthy Young Woman Without Predisposing Factors.

A rare rapidly-spreading necrotizing infection of the skin and soft tissues, Meleney's synergistic gangrene is characterized by a synergistic infection with both staphylococci and microaerophilic streptococci. This report presents a case of Meleney's synergistic gangrene in a young female patient with no comorbidities and no surgical history who was initially misdiagnosed as a case of perineal abscess and later after the culture report and course of the spread of infection, it was diagnosed as a case of Meleney's synergistic gangrene. The patient underwent serial debridements with a combination of broad-spectrum antibiotic cover followed by secondary closure of the wound and the patient was followed up after three months post-discharge and showed full recovery with no recurrence of infection.

The Efficacy of LRINEC Scoring in Patients with Necrotizing Fasciitis and its Correlation with the Outcomes.

<b><br>Introduction:</b> Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is an expeditiously escalating inflammatory infection of the fascia, with secondary necrosis of the subcutaneous tissues. To aid diagnosis, the Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis (LRINEC) scoring system was devised to stratify the likelihood of infection in patients on presentation.</br> <b><br>Aim:</b> The study aimed to investigate and quantify the relationships between the LRINEC scoring system and the outcomes such as the need for amputation, length of hospital stay, and mortality in patients with necrotizing fasciitis.</br> <b><br>Material and methods:</b> A total number of 90 patients were admitted with a provisional diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis. LRINEC score was calculated for each case based on six laboratory variables at the time of presentation. Enrolled patients were divided into three groups on the basis of the LRINEC score. The differences in mortality, length of hospitalization, number of debridement procedures, and need for amputation between these groups were compared.</br> <b><br>Results:</b> Increasing age, male gender, and DM have a poor prognosis in necrotizing fasciitis patients. The amputation and mortality rates are better correlated with higher LRINEC scores.</br> <b><br>Conclusions:</b> The LRINEC score helps in stratifying the patients into three risk categories (low risk, moderate risk, and high risk) according to the severity in a much more organized way, and thus the appropriate management like surgical debridement can be introduced on time. LRINEC score is a robust index that is capable of detecting early cases of necrotizing fasciitis and is simple enough for routine use. It is a simplified bedside diagnostic tool for early diagnosis and prediction of outcomes in patients with necrotizing fasciitis.</br>.

Association between Insurance Status and Outcomes of Hospitalizations for Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections.

Background: Lack of insurance is associated with poorer outcomes in hospitalized patients. However, few studies have explored this association in hospitalizations for necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTIs). This study examined the impact of insurance status on the outcome of NSTI admissions. Methods: All adult hospitalizations for necrotizing fasciitis, gas gangrene, and Fournier gangrene between 2016 and 2018 were examined using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database. Insurance status was categorized as insured (including Medicare, Medicaid, and Private, including Health maintenance organization (HMO) or uninsured (Self-pay). Outcome measures included mortality rates, limb loss, length of hospital stay, prolonged hospital stay, and critical care admissions. Statistical analysis included weighted sample analysis, chi-square tests, multivariate regression analysis, and negative binomial regression modeling. Results: Approximately 29,705 adult hospitalizations for NSTIs were analyzed. Of these, 57.4% (17,065) were due to necrotizing fasciitis, 22% (6,545) to gas gangrene, and 20.5% (6,095) to Fournier gangrene. Approximately 9.7% (2,875) were uninsured, whereas 70% (26,780) had insurance coverage. Among the insured, Medicare covered 39.6% (10,605), Medicaid 29% (7,775), and private insurance 31.4% (8,400). After adjustments, Medicare insurance was associated with greater odds of mortality (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.81; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.33-2.47; p = 0.001). Medicaid insurance was associated with increased odds of amputation (aOR: 1.81; 95% CI: 1.33-2.47; p < 0.001), whereas private insurance was associated with lower odds of amputation (aOR: 0.70; 95% CI: 0.51-0.97; p = 0.030). Medicaid insurance was associated with greater odds of prolonged hospital stay (aOR: 1.34; 95% CI: 1.09-1.64; p < 0.001). No significant association was observed between the lack of insurance or self-pay and the odds of primary or secondary outcomes. Conclusion: Medicare insurance was correlated with greater odds of mortality, whereas Medicaid insurance was associated with increased odds of amputation and longer hospital stay. Uninsured status was not associated with significant differences in NSTI outcomes.

Necrotizing Fasciitis Due to Group A Streptococcus: A Case of a Deteriorating Biphasic-like Clinical Course Over Five Days with a Devastating Outcome.

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a life-threatening disease with high mortality and rapidly progressive clinical manifestations1. Early detection and surgical management coupled with antibiotic treatment are crucial for the survival, and the patient survival is heavily dependent on clinical decisions2,3. However, it is not widely known that NF does not always follow a typical clinical course, and there have been no case reports of NF following an atypical clinical course. Although the course of the disease depends on the individual patient, it remains a challenge for physicians to determine the precise timing when patients are most likely to survive multiple surgical interventions. We encountered a challenging case presenting with an atypical clinical course. We herein report a 31-year-old man who followed a deteriorating biphasic-like clinical course and presented with extensive NF and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome due to Group A Streptococcus. This case serves to inform physicians of the existence of NF with an atypical and deteriorating biphasic-like clinical course, emphasizing the need for a careful evaluation of the patient condition.

Enhancing Early Detection of Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections: The Role of the Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis (LRINEC) Score.

Background There is great variation in the etiology, predisposing organisms, incidence, clinical characteristics, severity, and consequences of skin and/or subcutaneous tissue infections. Extensive necrosis of the subcutaneous tissues and fascia is a characteristic of necrotizing soft tissue infections, which are frequently deadly. To change the course of treatment, this study highlights the need to find a tool that can quickly and accurately identify patients with necrotizing fasciitis (NF) and assist in making an early treatment decision. Methodology A prospective evaluation of 30 individuals with soft tissue infections was conducted using the laboratory risk indicator for necrotizing fasciitis (LRINEC). The patients were classified as low, intermediate, and high risk for the start of NF based on their LRINEC score. To assess the importance of the LRINEC score in forecasting the start of NF and its clinical consequences, patients in each group underwent appropriate management and statistical analysis. Results This study included 28 males (93.3%) and two females (6.7%). The associated p-value, recorded as 0.039, signifies statistical significance in the observed area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The p-value in risk categorization was found to be 0.296, which suggests that LRINEC helps in risk categorization with 100% sensitivity when used as a screening tool. Conclusion The early detection of necrotizing soft tissue infections, such as NF, is vital. The LRINEC score, based on routine lab tests, accurately distinguishes these infections. With high sensitivity and significant p-values, it helps stratify patients, guiding timely interventions and saving lives.

Periorbital necrotizing fasciitis: clinical perspectives on nine cases.

A multicenter review of Periorbital Necrotizing Fasciitis including nine cases, aged 41 to 82, mostly female, and mainly post-traumatic or idiopathic. Streptococcus pyogenes was the most frequent pathogen. Treatment involved debridement alongside antibiotic therapy in all cases. Two cases experienced toxic shock, with no fatalities. Visual outcomes varied from exenteration to preserved visual acuity with minimal aesthetic impact. Early detection and prompt intervention are paramount due to the significant risks associated with this condition, which may lead to severe complications ranging from vision loss to systemic decline or death.

Case report: A rare case of simultaneous necrotizing fasciitis of the breast and forearm.

Necrotizing fasciitis is an aggressive bacterial infection that causes necrosis of the fascia and subcutaneous tissues with rapid progression and high mortality. Early stages often lead to misdiagnosis, resulting in improper treatment and severe implications. This case study presents a patient with diabetes mellitus combined with hepatitis B who rapidly developed necrotizing fasciitis of the left forearm and left breast after trauma and controlled the infection with early surgical treatment. It is worth noting that early surgical exploration is the gold standard for the diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis and is the most effective means of reducing mortality and amputation rates in necrotizing fasciitis.

Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome with Multiple Cerebral Infarctions Caused by Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis: An Autopsy Case Report.

We herein report an autopsy case of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome with disseminated intravascular coagulation and multiple cerebral infarctions induced by Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis (STSS) in an 84-year-old male. Pathological examination revealed sepsis with hemophagocytosis in the reticular system and intravascular bacteria in multiple organs, originating from bacterial necrotizing fasciitis of the lower extremities. The brain MRI findings showed a DWI-FLAIR mismatch, whereas the pathology was almost normal, thus supporting a hyperacute phase of cerebral infarction. The findings in this case help to elucidate the pathogenesis of STSS and develop appropriate treatment strategies.