[Thigh cellulitis: atypical presentation of intra-abdominal infection]. / Cellulite de cuisse: une présentation atypique d'infection intra-abdominale.

The initial clinical presentation of intraabdominal disease can be an extraabdominal location. We report three cases of patients admitted to our intensive care unit because of a severe soft tissue infection of the lower extremity. Systematic research of the primitive source by using computed tomography (CT) scan allows us to find perforation of the gastrointestinal tract. Despite an unusual presentation, a high index of suspicion for lower intestine perforation must always be considered in face of a patient presenting with a spontaneous thigh cellulitis. Immediate radical debridement, appropriate antibiotics, and intensive care support are critical to control these life-threatening infections.