Pneumatosis in cervical fascial space and necrotizing fasciitis of neck.

BACKGROUD: Pneumatosis in the cervical fascial space is a common imaging manifestation of cervical necrotizing fasciitis. At present, although there are some literature reports on pneumatosis in the cervical necrotizing fasciitis, there are few comparative reports. OBJECTIVE: To compare the imaging findings of necrotizing fasciitis of the neck and other cervical space infections, and explore the relationship between pneumatosis in cervical fascial space and necrotizing fasciitis of the neck. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on 56 cases of cervical fascia space infection in our department from May 2015 to March 2021, including 22 cases of necrotizing fasciitis and 34 cases of non-necrotizing fasciitis. 22 cases underwent incision, debridement and catheter drainage in the necrotizing fasciitis group. 26 cases underwent incision, debridement and catheter drainage, and 8 cases underwent ultrasound-guided puncture biopsy and catheter drainage in the non-necrotizing fasciitis group. All cases were confirmed by operation or pathological biopsy and took purulent secretions for bacterial culture and drug sensitivity test during or after operation. All cases were examined by neck CT or MRI before operation. The previous history of surgical incision or puncture and the rupture of cervical space infection were excluded. RESULTS: In 22 cases of necrotizing fasciitis, there were 19 cases had air accumulation in the fascial space (86.4%); In 34 cases of non necrotizing fasciitis, 2 cases had air accumulation in the fascial space (5.9%). There was significant difference between the two groups (χ2 = 36.9141, p < .01). Bacterial culture results were positive in 18 (81.8%) patients in the necrotizing fasciitis group. In the non necrotizing fasciitis group, 12 (35.3%) patients had positive bacterial culture results. There was significant difference in the positive rate of bacterial culture between the two groups (χ2 = 11.6239, p < .01). Except one death in necrotizing fasciitis group, all other patients were cured. There was no recurrence after follow-up for 3-6 months. CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE: The pneumatosis of necrotizing fasciitis in the neck is dramatically more than that of other infectious diseases. It is suggested that pneumatosis in cervical fascial space is of great significance in the diagnosis of cervical necrosis, the gas production of bacteria may be closely related to the pathogenesis and development of necrotizing fasciitis of the neck, and early measures to block the generation and dissemination of gas is of great significance for treatment.

A necrotising fasciitis: case report.

Necrotizing fasciitis is one of the most common soft tissue infections, with a high risk of major amputation and a mortality ranging from 6 to 33% which has not changed in the past 20 years. Early surgical resection of necrotic tissue plays a key role in determining the prognosis. Nawijn et al. identified an optimal 6 hours window from presentation to surgery. Symptoms of necrotizing fasciitis mimic those of common skin infections, such as erysipelas and cellulitis, making rapid surgical management difficult. In this context, the aid of point-of-care-ultrasound is a valuable tool for early diagnosis, detecting the presence of subcutaneous thickening, gas and perifascial liquid. Other characteristic ultrasound findings include the "cobblestone" appearance of the subcutaneous soft tissues and reverberation artifacts due to hyperechoic outbreaks, defined as "snow globes" due to the presence of heterogeneous swirling material, and "dirty shadowing" due to the foggy shadow created by the gas.

Pyoderma Gangrenosum Mimicking Necrotizing Fasciitis on Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A Case Report and Literature Review.

BACKGROUND Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a sterile neutrophilic dermatosis that can be associated with systemic diseases, such as ulcerative colitis, polyarthritis, diabetes mellitus, myelodysplastic syndrome, and/or myeloid leukemia, and is often misdiagnosed as a necrotizing infection. Few reports have described imaging studies of PG; however, necrotizing fasciitis (NF) exhibits distinct imaging characteristics. If deep fascial involvement is not demonstrated on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), NF is excluded. CASE REPORT We present a case of PG mimicking NF on MRI in a 67-year-old woman with acute myeloblastic leukemia. After undergoing a second cycle of decitabine therapy, she was admitted for pain in her lower left leg. The condition was initially misdiagnosed as NF because MRI findings demonstrated signal intensity in the fascia. MRI revealed fasciitis that exhibited linear fluid signal intensity in the fascia of lower left leg. Despite broad-spectrum antibiotics, the lesion rapidly progressed to a swollen hemorrhagic patch with bullae and an ulcer. Skin biopsy results ultimately led to the diagnosis of PG, based on histopathological findings. The patient was treated with intravenous steroids and regular wound dressing. The skin lesion on the lower left leg exhibited a good response. CONCLUSIONS Despite the presence of a lesion that invaded the fascia on MRI, our patient was diagnosed with PG following a skin biopsy and completely recovered with steroid treatment. To distinguish PG from NF, it is more important to identify the characteristic clinical features than to rely solely on imaging findings.

Emergency amputation necessitated within 24 hours by a human bite: a case report.

We herein review and analyze the diagnosis, treatment, and outcome of a severe infection caused by a human bite. A 68-year-old man was bitten on the forearm by a 3-year-old child. Rapid progression of infection, severe local and systemic poisoning, and diverse clinical manifestations were observed at presentation. Based on the medical history, physical signs, imaging examinations (X-ray films, color Doppler ultrasound, and computed tomography), laboratory examinations, and multidisciplinary consultation, the patient was diagnosed with gas gangrene or gas gangrene-like changes. Twenty-four hours after the injury, an emergency amputation was performed (open amputation with wound closure after 1 week). After the operation, the patient was sent to the intensive care unit for isolation and further anti-infection and anti-shock treatments. His condition gradually improved after treatment and he was discharged without further complications. Bacteriological and pathological examinations indicated Aeromonas hydrophila infection leading to extensive necrotizing fasciitis of the limb and severe systemic poisoning. In addition, pre-existing myelodysplastic syndrome progressing to acute myeloid leukemia was identified as a possible predisposing factor. Human bites can cause serious infections requiring timely treatment, particularly in patients with predisposing comorbidities.

Rectal Perforation by an Intrauterine Device Leading to Fatal Intra-Abdominal Sepsis and Necrotizing Fasciitis.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal injury from an intrauterine device (IUD) is rare but may lead to major complications. CASE: A 55-year-old woman presented to a tertiary care hospital with 4 days of generalized weakness, confusion, dysuria, and lower back pain. She provided a vague history of an unsuccessful attempt to remove an IUD 30 years prior. A computed tomography scan demonstrated an IUD in the rectal lumen, with gluteal and pelvic gas and fluid collections. Emergency surgery found necrotizing fasciitis. Despite multiple debridements, sigmoidoscopic IUD removal, and long-term intravenous antibiotics, the patient died from sepsis and multiorgan failure. CONCLUSION: IUDs require proper monitoring and timely removal to prevent potential complications associated with organ perforation.

Case of retroperitoneal necrotising fasciitis: a rare and deadly spread.

Necrotising fasciitis (NF) is a potentially lethal spread of infection that is uncommonly seen within the province of surgery. Seen mostly in the extremities and the perineal regions, it has been reported rarely to involve the retroperitoneal space and presents with a spectrum of symptoms and signs as such. Literature supports classification of NF based on the microbes involved. Irrespective of the aetiology and the causative organism, NF remains a serious surgical emergency with high morbidity and mortality not only associated with the disease process itself, but also with the extensive surgical debridement it requires in its management along with antimicrobial administration. We present a case of such an infection found in the retroperitoneal space secondary to a perineal infection forming a rare presentation of this deadly process, and how it was successfully managed secondary to timely surgical intervention.

Internal Jugular Vein Thrombosis With Serious Cervical Necrotizing Fasciitis.

Internal jugular vein thrombosis (IJVT) is a rare complication of cervical necrotizing fasciitis (CNF) which may lead to life threat. This article reports a patient with severe CNF complicated with IJVT, and combined with the literature to analyze the diagnosis and treatment of CNF and IJVT.

Distinguishing necrotizing from non-necrotizing fasciitis: a new predictive scoring integrating MRI in the LRINEC score.

OBJECTIVES: To develop and validate a scoring system integrating MRI and laboratory findings to differentiate necrotizing fasciitis (NF) from non-necrotizing fasciitis (non-NF). METHODS: This retrospective study included 144 subjects who underwent surgery in one of three tertiary referral centers for NF or cellulitis with non-NF. The development cohort consisted of 96 subjects (NF = 47; non-NF = 49) from one center, and the validation cohort consisted of 48 subjects (NF = 23; cellulitis with non-NF = 25) from two different centers. The Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis (LRINEC) scoring system and five MRI findings (thickening of the intermuscular deep fascia ≥ 3 mm, extensive involvement of the deep fascia, multi-compartmental involvement in one extremity, presence of gas, and contrast-enhancement pattern) were included in univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis to identify independent predictors of NF. An additive scoring system was developed using the coefficients of the final regression model. Model performance was assessed for discrimination and calibration. The scoring system was externally validated. RESULT: The final scoring system consisted of three variables: thickening of the deep fascia ≥ 3 mm, multi-compartmental involvement, and LRINEC score. The new predictive model showed improved performance (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC], 0.862; positive and negative predictive values, 82% and 79%, respectively), compared with the LRINEC score alone (0.814, 77% and 67%, respectively). The model also showed good discrimination with the external validation dataset (AUC, 0.933). CONCLUSIONS: Differentiation of NF from severe cellulitis with non-NF can be achieved with the new predictive scoring system. KEY POINTS: • The new predictive scoring system integrating two MRI findings with the LRINEC score can help in the differentiation of necrotizing fasciitis from severe cellulitis with non-necrotizing fasciitis. • Thickening of the deep fascia ≥ 3 mm and multi-compartmental involvement were the most important MRI findings for the differentiation.

Necrotizing fasciitis as a complication of osteonecrosis of the jaw related to oral bisphosphonate application in a patient with osteoporosis: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Necrotizing fasciitis has been reported as a complication secondary to bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) in a low number of patients. The only report of such a case in an osteoporosis patient found in current literature was related to short-term bisphosphonate but long time corticosteroid and methotrexate treatment. CASE PRESENTATION: In this article, we report a case of necrotizing fasciitis secondary to osteonecrosis of the jaw related to long-term oral bisphosphonate treatment in an osteoporosis patient additionally suffering from poorly controlled type 2 diabetes. Diabetes mellitus not only has been reported to be a systemic risk factor regarding BRONJ but also to be the most common comorbidity in patients presenting with necrotizing fasciitis and to increase mortality of this condition. Necrotizing fasciitis and BRONJ in the patient could eventually be resolved by a surgical approach and intravenous antibiotic therapy. CONCLUSIONS: The case presented suggests diabetes mellitus potentially having been an important factor in the particularly unfavorable course of therapy. It emphasizes the importance of an adequate therapy and surveillance of modifiable systemic risk factors like diabetes mellitus in patients being at risk for development of BRONJ. If necrotizing fasciitis is suspected, early diagnosis and aggressive surgical and medical management are essential to minimize morbidity and mortality.

Necrotizing Myositis: A Rare Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infection Involving Muscle.

INTRODUCTION: Necrotizing myositis (NM) is an extremely rare necrotizing soft tissue infection involving muscle. Unlike similar infections (eg, necrotizing fasciitis, clostridial myonecrosis) that can be more readily diagnosed, NM can have a benign presentation then rapidly progress into a life-threatening condition with a mortality rate of 100% without surgical intervention. CASE REPORT: A 74-year-old man with a history of prostate cancer with radiation therapy, seed implants, and 2 transurethral resection procedures presented to the emergency department after a fall. He was initially diagnosed and treated for urosepsis. Sixteen hours after presentation, he complained of pain and swelling of his right groin. Computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis showed gas findings suspicious for necrotizing infection of the bilateral thighs. Surgical exploration revealed NM. Separate cultures from the left thigh and bladder grew Streptococcus intermedius, Clostridium clostridioforme, and Peptostreptococcus, suggesting a possible common source of infection from the prostate gland or the osteomyelitic pubic symphysis, which subsequently spread to the bilateral thighs. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of S intermedius and C clostridioforme causing NM. A high index of suspicion is required for extremely rare conditions like NM, because early diagnosis and surgical intervention significantly reduce mortality.

Periorbital Necrotizing Fasciitis Induced by Streptococcus pyogenes: A Case Report and Clarification.

Periorbital necrotizing fasciitis (PONF) is a rare condition of the face. PONF can lead to blindness, functional and esthetic sequelae, multiple-organ failure, and death. The aim of this report is to raise the awareness of this severe condition in maxillofacial surgeons. This report describes the case of a 30-year-old woman who presented with a bilateral palpebral edema and pain 3 days after a jugal wound was sutured. Necrosis of the skin of the left palpebral unit was extending rapidly. The patient had signs of sepsis. Surgical debridement was performed promptly and intravenous broad-spectrum empiric antibiotics were administered. The patient recovered slowly with no complication other than a residual skin defect of the 2 eyelids that was later corrected by full-thickness skin grafting. Special attention should be paid to signs of preseptal cellulitis because it can, in some cases, rapidly develop into PONF. Early diagnosis and treatment are the keys to a favorable outcome.

Necrotizing fasciitis after high-dose rate brachytherapy and external beam radiation for prostate cancer: a case report.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, the delayed side effects associated with radiotherapy for prostate cancer have drawn the interest of urologists. Although urosymphyseal fistula is one of these delayed side effects, this serious complication is rarely described in literature and is poorly recognized. CASE PRESENTATION: We report our experience in treating a 77-year-old male patient with necrotizing fasciitis after high-dose rate brachytherapy plus external beam radiation for prostate cancer. The patient was referred to our hospital with complaints of inguinal swelling and fever. He had a past history of radiotherapy for prostate cancer and subsequent transurethral operation for a stricture of the urethra. Computed tomography showed extensive gas within the femoral and retroperitoneal tissues and pubic bone fracture. Surgical exploration suggested that necrotizing fasciitis was caused by urosymphyseal fistula. CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of necrotizing fasciitis caused by urosymphyseal fistula after radiotherapy for prostate cancer. There is a strong association between urosymphyseal fistula and prostate radiotherapy with subsequent surgical intervention for bladder neck contracture or urethral stricture. Therefore, surgical treatment for bladder neck contracture or urethral stricture after radiotherapy for prostate cancer should be performed with care. The present case emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis of urosymphyseal fistula. Immediate removal of necrotic tissues and subsequent urinary diversion in the present case may have led to good patient outcome.

Necrotising fasciitis: a ticking time bomb?

Necrotising fasciitis (NF) is a destructive bacterial infection and has often been described in media reports as a 'flesh-eating disease', which if diagnosed late is associated with worse outcome. Unfortunately, diagnosing NF is difficult due to the similar presentation of NF compared with other types of skin and soft tissue infections. The early presentation of NF only shows tenderness, swelling, erythema and warm skin. Moreover, NF is normally accompanied with aberrant laboratory findings, mainly elevated C reactive protein (CRP) levels. In this case report we evaluate the diagnostic process of a patient with NF without aberrant infection parameters; both normal levels of CRP and white blood cell count were seen.

Necrotizing fasciitis-A catastrophic complication following routine tibia fracture surgery: A case report and literature review.

RATIONALE: Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is defined as a rare, life-threatening, rapidly spreading soft tissue infection resulting from a polymicrobial origin, with a predominance of anaerobic organisms that presents with necrosis of the muscle, fascia, and surrounding soft tissue. PATIENT CONCERNS AND DIAGNOSES: A 64-year-old male who sustained tibia fracture caused by falling from a height underwent a tibia surgery with minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis technique in another institution. Postoperatively, the patient had development of a very uncommon NF at the site of the tibia procedure. When the patient was transferred to our unit, he rapidly processed to toxic shock and coagulopathy. INTERVENTIONS AND OUTCOMES: Although the patient underwent antibiotics treatment in the emergency room and was transferred to the operating room for surgery promptly, the patient's condition deteriorated rapidly and he died of septic shock and multiple organ failure unfortunately. LESSONS: Our study aims to highlight the risk of NF in the elderly with diabetes during the perioperative period even if the injury is a simple closed fracture. Physicians must be vigilant to early inflammatory signs and pain in immunosuppressed patients.

Abdominal wall necrotising fasciitis: A rare but devastating complication of the percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy procedure.

Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) tubes were often offered to patients requiring long term enteral feeding. Even though the procedure is relatively safe, it is associated with various complications such as peritonitis or even death.1 We presented a case of a 54-year-old gentleman with underlying ischemic stroke and pus discharges from a recently inserted PEG tube. Computed Topography (CT) scan confirmed abdominal wall necrotising fasciitis complicated with hyperosmolar hyperglycaemia state (HHS) and later succumbed after 48 hours of admission. Our case illustrated the rare complication related to the insertion of PEG tube; abdominal wall necrotising fasciitis that was associated with mortality.

Monomicrobial Klebsiella pneumoniae Necrotizing Fasciitis With Liver Abscess: A Case Report and Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: Necrotizing fasciitis is one of the most life-threatening soft tissue infections and usually follows a major or minor trauma. Published reports regarding single microorganism liver abscess caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae in Taiwan indicate a septic metastasis rate about 12%. Although a hematogenous origin of necrotizing fasciitis from a liver abscess is rare in Taiwan, it remains possible in our clinical practice. CASE PRESENTATION: A 75-year-old man with a history of diabetes and liver abscess had a status of postdrainage 5 years earlier. The patient presented with elevated body temperature, swelling, and pain over the left hand and forearm for 4 days before coming to our emergency room. We performed a fasciotomy procedure under the preliminary diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis. The patient's blood cultures yielded K. pneumoniae, and therefore recurrence of liver abscess was confirmed by ultrasonography. After treating with percutaneous drainage and third cephalosporin intravenously, the patient recovered and discharged on the 50th day after admission. CONCLUSIONS: Necrotizing fasciitis is a life-threatening soft tissue infectious disease. Once K. pneumoniae is identified both in blood and wound cultures of a diabetic patient with necrotizing fasciitis, it is recommended that the metastatic lesions undergo complete abdominal evaluation by the hematogenous route.

Ascending Facial Necrotizing Fasciitis in a Patient Taking a Bisphosphonate.

Facial necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a rare fulminant infection of the soft and connective tissues that spreads along the fascial planes of the face. Its origins most commonly involve odontogenic infection and it is usually associated with a history of dentoalveolar surgery, such as tooth extraction or implant placement. We present a case of ascending facial NF with odontogenic origin in a patient taking a bisphosphonate.