Fournier Gangrene: A Review for Emergency Clinicians.

BACKGROUND: Fournier gangrene (FG) is a rare, life-threatening infection that can result in significant morbidity and mortality, with many patients requiring emergency department (ED) management for complications and stabilization. OBJECTIVE: This narrative review provides an evidence-based summary of the current data for the emergency medicine evaluation and management of FG. DISCUSSION: Although originally thought to be an idiopathic process, FG has been shown to have a strong association for male patients with advanced age and comorbidities affecting microvascular circulation and immune system function, most commonly those with diabetes or alcohol use disorder. However, it can also affect patients without risk factors. The initial infectious nidus is usually located in the genitourinary tract, gastrointestinal tract, or perineum. FG is a mixed infection of aerobic and anaerobic bacterial flora. The development and progression of gangrene is often fulminant and can rapidly cause multiple organ failure and death, although patients may present subacutely with findings similar to cellulitis. Laboratory studies, as well as imaging including point-of-care ultrasound, conventional radiography, and computed tomography are important diagnostic adjuncts, though negative results cannot exclude diagnosis. Treatment includes emergent surgical debridement of all necrotic tissue, broad-spectrum antibiotics, and resuscitation with intravenous fluids and vasoactive medications. CONCLUSIONS: FG requires a high clinical level of suspicion, combined with knowledge of anatomy, risk factors, and etiology for an accurate diagnosis. Although FG remains a clinical diagnosis, relevant laboratory and radiography investigations can serve as useful adjuncts to expedite surgical management, hemodynamic resuscitation, and antibiotic administration.

Air and its Sonographic Appearance: Understanding the Artifacts.

BACKGROUND: Although air has traditionally been considered a barrier to sonographic imaging, when encountered in unusual settings it can serve as an important indicator of various pathologic states as well. Clinician recognition and thorough understanding of the characteristic pattern of artifacts generated by air are critical for making a number of important diagnoses. CASE SERIES: We present five emergency department cases in which air was visualized in a pathologic location. Pneumothorax, pneumoperitoneum, necrotizing fasciitis, or Fournier's gangrene, and subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum, can be rapidly and easily identified on ultrasound by the presence of air artifacts. The relevant sonographic findings are described and discussed in this article. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Due to its inherent impedance mismatch with other human tissues, air has a characteristic appearance on ultrasound that includes irregular hyperechoic structures, "dirty shadowing," A-lines, and decreased visualization of deeper structures. Knowledge of the sonographic appearance of air artifacts can assist the physician in making a diagnosis, selecting appropriate additional imaging, and enlisting specialist consultation.

Fournier's gangrene. A clinical review.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Fournier's gangrene is a rare, necrotising fasciitis of the external genitalia, perineal or perianal regions. The disease has a higher incidence in males and risk factors for development include diabetes, HIV, alcoholism and other immune-compromised states. The aggressive disease process is associated with a high mortality rate of 20-30%. In addition, the increasing age and prevalence of diabetes in the population, begs the need for increased clinical awareness of Fournier's gangrene with emphasis on early diagnosis and management. This review aims to highlight the relevant research surrounding Fournier's gangrene, in particular the various prognostic indicators and management strategies. METHODS: A search was conducted on the MEDLINE database for all applicable research; clinical reviews, retrospective studies and case reports. In addition to which a search of the European Association of Urology, the British Association for Urological Surgeons and the British Medical Journal was conducted for the most recent recommendations. RESULTS: Immediate broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy and urgent surgical debridement are the core managerial principles of Fournier's gangrene. The use of adjunctive therapies such as hyperbaric oxygen and vacuum assisted closure are supported in some aspects of the literature and disputed in others. The lack of randomized controlled studies limits the use of these potential additional therapies to patients unresponsive to conventional management. The value of unprocessed honey as a topical antimicrobial agent has been highlighted in the literature for small lesions in uncomplicated patients. CONCLUSION: Fournier's gangrene is a urological emergency with a high mortality rate despite advances in the medical and surgical fields. The aggressive nature of the infection advocates the need for early recognition allowing immediate surgical intervention. The opposing results of available research as well as the lack of high quality evidence surrounding emergent therapies prevents their routine use in the management of Fournier's gangrene. The absence of a specific care pathway may hinder efficient management of Fournier's gangrene, thus based on current guidelines a management pathway is suggested.

[Fournier's gangrene-variety of clinical model of critical states in surgery].

The investigation based on a retrospective analysis of the treatment results of Fournier's gangrene (FG) in 27 patients aged from 34 till 82 years old. There were 27 patients. Diseases of colorectal zone were the nosological reasons of FG in 15 patients. Diseases of urogenital tract had 10 patients with FG. The development of FG was determined by closed trauma (1 patient) and a gunshot wound of the perineum and the scrotum in one patient. The slowly progressive (limited) forms of the disease were noted in 15 patients, although the rapid progressive (extensive) forms were in 12 patients.All the patients had the clinical manifestations of the disease and at the same time laboratory indices indicated a presence of generalized infection and they were characterized by symptoms of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). There were 6 patient, who died out of 27.The lethality consisted of 22.2%. The reasons of the death were an infection-toxic shock (1 case), a progressive endotoxicosis (3 cases) and a pulmonary artery thromboembolism (2 cases). The results obtained testified that early diagnostics and the active strategy with radical surgical d-bridement of necrotic suppurative foci combined with programmed (staged) sanitation necrosectomy, complex system of local wound treatment, the rational antibacterial therapy, a task-specific and syndrome correction of dyscrasia could be the actual ways to improve the treatment results in patients with FG.

Validation and simplification of Fournier's gangrene severity index.

OBJECTIVES: To validate the predictive value of Fournier's Gangrene Severity Index in patients with Fournier gangrene and to facilitate patient mortality risk-stratification by simplifying the Fournier's Gangrene Severity Index. METHODS: From January 1989 to December 2011, 85 male patients with clinically-documented Fournier's gangrene undergoing intensive treatment and with complete medical records were recruited. The demographic information and nine parameters of Fournier's Gangrene Severity Index were compared between survivors and non-survivors. The parameters that showed a significant difference between the two groups were selected to generate a simplified scoring index. RESULTS: Of the 85 patients recruited, 16 patients died of the disease with mortality rate of 18.8%. The Fournier's Gangrene Severity Index score at initial diagnosis was significantly higher in non-survivors than in survivors. Of the nine parameters of Fournier's Gangrene Severity Index, the scores of serum creatinine level, hematocrit level and serum potassium level were significantly different between the two groups. However, the mean body temperatures, heart rate, respiration rate, white blood cell count, serum sodium and bicarbonate levels were non-significantly different. Of the 12 patients with chronic kidney disease or end-stage renal disease, 10 died of severe sepsis. A simplified scoring index including parameters of creatinine, hematocrit and potassium was generated, which provided sensitivity and specificity of 87% and 77% in predicting patient mortality, respectively. The predictive values of this simplified Fournier's Gangrene Severity Index were shown to be non-inferior to Fournier's Gangrene Severity Index in our patients. CONCLUSIONS: The simplified Fournier's Gangrene Severity Index is easy to use at initial diagnosis, and offers a way to compare outcomes in different clinical populations.

[Fournie's disease in the light of modern ideas].

The results of treatment of scrotum gangrene (Fournier's disease) in 25 patients aged from 34 to 82 years are presented in the article. The diseases of colorectal zone were nosological reasons of Fournier's disease in 13 patients, the diseases of urogenital tract - in 10 cases. Development of Fournier's disease was associated with closed trauma in 1 patient, and 1 case was associated with gunshot wound of perineum and scrotum. Slowly progressing forms of the disease were detected in 14 patients, fulminant and rapidly progressing variants - in 11 patients. Diabetes mellitus of different severity were identified in 6 patients. Clinical picture and laboratory data evidenced about systemic infection in all patients. Non-clostridial anaerobic microbes were the main exciters of pio-necrotic process (92%). 6 patients died. Mortality was about 24%. Toxic shock was the reason of death in 1 patient, progressing endotoxemia - in 3 cases, pulmonary embolism - in 2 cases. The authors consider that early diagnosis and active tactics of radical treatment of pio-necrotic hearth in combination with programmed (phased) remedial necrectomy are effective methods for improvement of treatment results. Also such ways as complex system of local wound treatment, focused and multicomponent therapy of systemic and metabolic disorders of homeostasis are very important in complex treatment of patients.

[Gangrene of Fournier, treatment, classification].

The experience of treatment with favorable outcome of 3 patients, in whom gangrene of Fournier was diagnosed, was summarized.The necessity of application of "agressive" surgical tactics in early terms of the disease was stressed.

Use of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy With Instillation in the Management of Complex Wounds in Critically Ill Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Negative pressure wound therapy with instillation and dwell time (NPWTi-d) cleanses wounds with cyclic delivery, dwell, and removal of topical solutions to solubilize infectious materials and wound debris. OBJECTIVE: In this 2-patient case study, the authors report their experiences using NPWTi-d on 2 critically ill patients requiring management of large, complex wounds. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In both cases, normal saline was instilled with 10- to 20-minute dwell times, followed by 2 hours of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) at -125 mm Hg. RESULTS: Patient 1 was a 67-year-old woman, with a history of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, who required emergency surgery about 36 hours after ischemic efferent limb detorsion. After damage control surgery, NPWTi-d was applied for about 2 weeks. Once the wound was granulating, treatment was switched to conventional NPWT. Definitive surgery was planned for once she became physiologically optimized. Patient 2 was a 45-year-old woman presenting with septic shock and complex, necrotic wounds due to Fournier's gangrene. She received appropriate debridement, antibiotics, and adjunctive nutritional and critical care support. Then, NPWTi-d and NPWT were applied for 68 days, after which split-thickness skin grafts were used to close the right thigh, inguinal area, perineum, suprapubic area, right superior buttocks region, and back. Conventional NPWT was applied over the grafts as a bolster, and the patient was discharged to a rehabilitation center 27 days later with a 95% graft take. CONCLUSIONS: In the authors' clinical experience, NPWTi-d promoted wound healing in critically ill patients with large wounds.

The clinical features of Fournier's gangrene and the predictivity of the Fournier's Gangrene Severity Index on the outcomes.

Fournier's gangrene (FG) is a rare, rapidly progressive, fulminant form of necrotizing fasciitis of the genital, perianal and perineal regions. Several factors have been reported to contribute to the clinical outcomes. The primary aims of this study were to examine the clinical features of patients with FG and evaluate the predictivity of the Fournier's Gangrene Severity Index (FGSI) score on the outcomes. We carried out a collective retrospective chart review of patients diagnosed and treated for FG in three reference centers between January 1995 and July 2007. Seventy-two patients with FG with were included to the study. Data were collected on medical history, symptoms, physical examination findings, admission and final laboratory tests, timing and extent of surgical debridement and antibiotic therapy. Perianal and perirectal abscess, scrotal abscess and urethral stenosis were the leading etiological factors. Diabetes mellitus was the predominant risk factor. Etiological factors and risk factors did not significantly contribute to survival or mortality, and duration of the symptoms was significantly longer in the non-survivor's group (P < 0.05). The FGSI scores were higher in the non-survivor's group. Regression analysis showed a FGSIS score of 10.5 as the cut-off to the outcome. Based on these results, we conclude that a patient's metabolic status and the extent of disease at presentation are the most important factors determining the prognosis of FG. The FGSI score may be considered as an objective and simple tool to predict the outcome in the patient with FG and should be used in further studies of FG patient series for comparison purposes.

Outcomes in Fournier's Gangrene Using Skin and Soft Tissue Sparing Flap Preservation Surgery for Wound Closure: An Alternative Approach to Wide Radical Debridement.

INTRODUCTION: Fournier's gangrene (FG) remains a forbidding necrotizing soft tissue infection (NSTI) that necessitates early recognition, prompt surgical excision, and goal-directed antibiotic therapy. Traditionally, surgical management has included wide radical excision for sepsis control, but this management often leaves large, morbid wounds that require complex wound coverage, prolonged hospitalizations, and/or delayed healing. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this case series is to report the outcomes of FG using a surrogate approach of concurrent debridement of spared skin and soft tissue, negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), and serial delayed primary closure (DPC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of 17 consecutive patients with FG treated with concurrent skin and soft tissue sparing surgery, NPWT, and serial DPC at Miami Valley Hospital Regional Adult Burn and Wound Center (Dayton, OH) between 2008 and 2018 was conducted. Patients were included if the following were noted: clinical suspicion of FG based on genital and perineal cellulitis, fever, leukocytosis, and confirmation of tissue necrosis upon surgical exploration. Patients not treated with skin sparing surgical debridement or wounds with an inability to maintain a NPWT dressing seal were excluded. RESULTS: The mean number of total surgeries including simultaneous debridement and reconstruction was 5.5. The average intensive care unit and hospital length of stay was 3.2 and 18.9 days, respectively. The average number of days from initial consult to wound closure was 24.3. The need for colostomy and skin grafts were nearly eliminated with this surrogate approach. Using this reproducible technique, DPC was achieved in 100% of patients. Only 11.8% (2/17) required split-thickness skin grafting as part of wound closure. The majority (9/17; 52.9%) were partially managed as an outpatient during wound closure. During staged DPC, the mean number of outpatient management days was 16.0. There were no mortalities in this series of patients. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the largest case series reported in the literature using skin and soft tissue sparing surgery for wound closure of a FG NSTI.

Bilateral testicular gangrene: does it occur in Fournier's gangrene?

Fournier's gangrene (FG) is an infective necrotizing fascitis of the perineum, genital and perianal area leading to gangrene of the overlying skin and subcutaneous tissue. Testis and epididymis tend to be spared. We report a case of a young male with bilateral gangrene of the testis.

[Fournier's gangrene--a model of necrotizing fasciitis (clinical and pathogenetic aspects)].

Pathogenesis of Fournier's disease was studied pathomorphologically and pathophysiologically. The underlying factor is thrombosis of the microcirculatory bed of the superficial fascia progressing into ischemic and hypoperfusion necrosis of the fascial structures manifesting with severe endotoxicosis and development of polyorganic insufficiency.

The continuing challenge of Fournier's gangrene in the 1990s.

Fournier's disease is a potentially fatal acute, gangrenous infection of the scrotum, penis, or perineum associated with a synergistic bacterial infection of the subcutaneous fat and superficial fascia. Thrombosis of small subcutaneous arterioles with resultant ischemia contributes to the rapid extension of the infection. During a 12-year period, the clinical and operative records of 14 patients with Fournier's gangrene were analyzed. All patients were treated with broad spectrum antibiotics and serial surgical debridements. Nine patients had polymicrobial isolates from the initial wound culture; two patients had Group A Streptococcus species as the sole isolate. The etiology of the infection was identified in 12 patients. Five patients died for an overall mortality of 38 per cent. The mean age of survivors was 51 years compared with 75 years for nonsurvivors (P<0.05). The last six patients in this series survived. The mean hospital stay was 29 days. Four patients (31%) had a prior history of diabetes; however, 11 patients (85%) had elevated serum glucose levels (>120 mg/dL) on admission. All patients were hypoalbuminemic on admission. Survivors had an average serum creatinine on admission of 1.28 mg/dL compared with 3.1 mg/dL for nonsurvivors. Although supportive care is required in these patients, the mainstay for treatment of Fournier's gangrene entails an aggressive approach with frequent and extensive soft tissue debridements to control the invasive nature of the infection with delayed wound coverage once the infection has been controlled. Elderly patients with evidence of renal dysfunction on admission have a poor prognosis despite aggressive therapy.

Emergent surgical complications of genitourinary infections.

The entities described in this article represent processes that arise from, or can be mistaken for, common GU infections. It might be difficult to determine the point at which pyelonephritis develops into EPN or perinephric abscess. It might be equally challenging to distinguish scrotal cellulitis from Fournier's gangrene; however, as most EPs will acknowledge, the mere awareness of these entities in the appropriate clinical circumstances might be enough to prevent a "near-miss" of a surgical emergency.

Total scrotal reconstruction after Fournier's gangrene--a case report using rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap.

Total loss of the scrotum is an uncommon clinical condition. A pedicled, inferiorly based rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap was successfully used to reconstruct the scrotum following total loss from Fournier's gangrene. The design and operative technique are described.

Gangrena de Fournier: revisión de factores determinantes de mortalidad / Mortality risk factors in Fournier gangrene: a literature review

La gangrena de Fournier es una fascitis necrosante polimicrobiana que afecta el periné, el escroto y/o el área perianal con una tasa de mortalidad actual del 20% al 40%. El objetivo de esta revisión es describir los factores pronósticos de mortalidad reportados en la literatura mundial, para lo cual se realizó la búsqueda de artículos indexados en Medline, utilizando los respectivos términos MeSH para la búsqueda, así como una búsqueda manual de las referencias encontradas en los artículos primarios. Se reportan diversos factores con significación estadística; sin embargo, el índice de Laor predomina como herramienta de mayor significación a la hora de determinar la mortalidad de los pacientes.

Fournier gangrene is a necrotizing fasciitis caused by facultative microorganisms that affects the perineal area, the scrotum or the perianal area. It has a 20% to 40% mortality. We performed a literature review to determine its determinants of mortality. Among all factors, the Laor index (which includes temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, serum sodium, potassium and creatine, blood leukocyte count, packed red cell volume and bicarbonate) predominates as the best tool to assess mortality risk.