Preoperative computed tomography in Fournier's gangrene does not delay time to surgery.

PURPOSE: Fournier's gangrene (FG), a rapidly progressive necrotizing soft tissue infection of the external genitalia and perineum, necessitates urgent surgical debridement. The time to surgery effect of preoperative computed tomography (CT) in managing this condition is yet to be fully explored. The purpose of this study was to assess whether obtaining a preoperative CT in patients with FG impacts the time to surgical intervention. METHODS: This was a single-center retrospective study of patients who underwent CT prior to surgical debridement of FG during a 9-year period vs patients who did not undergo CT. In 76 patients (male = 39, mean age = 51.8), 38 patients with FG received a preoperative CT, and 38 patients with FG did not receive CT prior to surgical debridement. Time to operating room and outcome metrics were compared between CT and non-CT groups. RESULTS: The time from hospital presentation to surgical intervention was not significantly different between patients who underwent CT and those who did not (6.65 ± 3.71 vs 5.73 ± 4.33 h, p = 0.37). There were also no significant differences in cost ($130,000 ± $102,000 vs $142,000 ± $152,000, p = 0.37), mortality (8 vs 7, p = 1), duration of hospital stay (15.5 ± 15 vs 15.7 ± 11.6 days, p = 0.95), average intensive care unit stay (5.82 ± 5.38 days vs 6.97 ± 8.58 days, p = 0.48), and APACHE score (12 ± 4.65 vs 13.9 ± 5.6, p =0.12). CONCLUSION: Obtaining a preoperative CT did not delay surgical intervention in patients with FG.

Gangrena de Fournier en varón de 89 años: un diagnóstico clínico urgente / Fournier's gangrene in an 89-year-old male: An urgent clinical diagnosis

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Neonatal Fournier's Gangrene: Avoiding Extensive Debridement.

Fournier's gangrene is a necrotizing fasciitis of the scrotal and inguinal region, associating high mortality and complication rates. It is extremely rare in the neonatal period and may be life threatening. We present an exceptional case of a 24-day-old boy who consulted to the emergency department for fever (39 °C) and an indurated, fluctuating and painful erythema in both groins, left hemiscrotum, left anterior femoral region and perineum for the last 6 hours. Blood analysis showed increased acute phase reactants without leukocytosis. Ultrasound revealed significant soft-tissue involvement. Due to high clinical suspicion and hemodynamic instability (tachycardia and prolonged capillary filling), urgent fasciotomy, placement of Penrose drains and intensive irrigation was performed. Wound care with irrigations was performed 3 times a day. During the 12 days neonatal intensive care unit admission, he required hemodynamic support and orotracheal intubation and sedation for pain control. Broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy (with cefotaxime, clindamycin and cloxacillin) was administered for 2 weeks. Ampicillin-sensitive Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A) was isolated in blood culture at 4th day of admission allowing antibiotic de-escalation. He was discharged on postoperative day 24. He has minimal, inconspicuous scars and no functional sequelae. Fever in neonates requires close observation considering the use of empirical broad-spectrum antibiotics and hospitalization. Early diagnosis, prompt surgical management and broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy are essential to prevent complication. Early fasciotomy with intensive irrigation and close survey may avoid extensive skin debridement.

Gas Where It Shouldn't Be! Imaging Spectrum of Emphysematous Infections in the Abdomen and Pelvis.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this article is to review the spectrum, etiopathogenesis, clinical presentation, imaging features, differential diagnoses, and management of emphysematous infections of the abdomen and pelvis. CONCLUSION. Emphysematous infections are associated with high morbidity and mortality and thus need urgent medical and surgical interventions. CT is the most sensitive modality to detect gas; CT provides definitive diagnosis in most cases and can depict the extent of involvement.

Fournier's Gangrene and Diabetic Ketoacidosis Associated with Sodium Glucose Co-Transporter 2 (SGLT2) Inhibitors: Life-Threatening Complications.

BACKGROUND Sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have become an appealing treatment for diabetes due to their favorable cardiac and renal outcomes. However, reports continue to emerge describing potentially life-threatening adverse events such as Fournier's gangrene and diabetic ketoacidosis associated with their use. Herein, we present a case of simultaneous Fournier's gangrene and diabetic ketoacidosis after initiation of treatment with canagliflozin. CASE REPORT A 37-year-old female with diabetes presented to the hospital with a chief complaint of left gluteal pain associated with dysuria 1 month after canagliflozin was added to her regimen. On initial evaluation, the patient was afebrile and hemodynamically stable. Physical examination revealed suprapubic tenderness and induration in the left gluteal region extending to the perineum. Laboratory testing was significant for anion gap metabolic acidosis with the presence of serum ketones. Computed tomography of abdomen and pelvis revealed features suggestive of Fournier's gangrene. The patient was treated for Fournier's gangrene and diabetic ketoacidosis. Management included empirical antibiotic treatment, multiple surgical explorations with debridement as well as insulin infusion with aggressive fluid resuscitation. The patient was discharged with a urinary catheter, vacuum dressing, and colostomy with instructions to start a basal bolus insulin regimen and discontinue canagliflozin. CONCLUSIONS This is the first case describing a simultaneous occurrence of Fournier's gangrene and diabetic ketoacidosis with SGLT2 inhibitor therapy. Considering the growing popularity of these drugs, it is important to be aware of their more serious and potentially fatal complications. It is also important to promptly terminate SGLT2 inhibitors when harmful adverse effects are suspected.

Fournier gangrene: pictorial review.

Fournier gangrene is an emergency condition that is associated with a high mortality rate. It is defined as a rapidly progressing infective necrotizing fasciitis of the perineal, perianal, and genital regions. Early diagnosis, broad-spectrum antibiotic coverage, and adequate surgical debridement are crucial and lead to better prognosis and patient survival. There is increasing utilization of computed tomography (CT) in the initial evaluation of Fournier gangrene. CT can confirm the diagnosis in equivocal cases, determine the source of infection, and evaluate the disease extent. In this pictorial review, we discuss the pathogenesis of Fournier gangrene and display the imaging spectrum with an emphasis on CT findings, including asymmetrical fascial thickening, soft tissue stranding, soft tissue gas, collection, and abscess formation. The infection originating from colorectal pathology, the affected anatomy, and the involvement of the abdominal wall are important predictors of mortality. The familiarity of the varied imaging appearance of Fournier gangrene is necessary to provide an accurate diagnosis, and evaluation of disease extent is crucial for optimal surgical debridement.

Fournier Gangrene in Men and Women: Appearance on CT, Ultrasound, and MRI and What the Surgeon Wants to Know.

Fournier gangrene (FG) is a genitourinary necrotizing fasciitis that can be lethal if not promptly diagnosed and surgically debrided. The diagnosis is often made by physical examination paired with an appropriate clinical suspicion and supporting laboratory values. Imaging, particularly computed tomography (CT), plays a role in delineating involved fascial planes for operative debridement and occasionally in diagnosing FG. Less commonly, the imaging manifestations of FG may also be seen on ultrasound, radiographs, and magnetic resonance imaging. With the ubiquitous use and availability of CT, radiologists have a growing role in recognizing FG. This can be challenging in the absence of fascial gas, but a CT scoring system for necrotizing fasciitis can be helpful in making the diagnosis. Recent series suggest that this predominantly male disease has a rising incidence in women. Women with FG are more likely to be morbidly obese and have vulvar or labial involvement compared to men. Imaging mimics include ulcerative and necrotic tumors, traumatic or iatrogenic fascial gas, and vaginitis emphysematosa. The purpose of this pictorial review is to illustrate the imaging manifestations of FG and its mimics, with emphases on necrotizing fasciitis CT scoring systems and FG in women.

Gangrena de fournier con extensión retroperitoneal. claves para una evolución favorable / Fournier's gangrene with retroperitoneal extension. Key points for a satisfactory evolution

INTRODUCCIÓN: La fascitis necrotizante, Gangrena de Fournier cuando su origen es perianal, es una infección severa de los tejidos blandos, músculos y fascias, asociada a elevada mortalidad. CASO CLÍNICO: Presentamos un caso tratado con éxito en nuestro centro. Paciente de 63 años con dolor abdominal y perianal, exploración clínica y radiografía simple altamente sugestivas, diagnosticado de Gangrena de Fournier con extensión retroperitoneal. La actuación terapéutica sin demora (desbridamiento quirúrgico agresivo, medidas de resucitación intensivas y antibioterapia de amplio espectro) permitieron salvar la vida del paciente. DISCUSIÓN: La Gangrena de Fournier se asocia mayoritariamente a factores de riesgo y su evolución es rápida y fulminante hacia una sepsis polimicrobiana. La exploración física es suficiente para su diagnóstico y no debemos perder tiempo en la realización de pruebas complementarias. En caso de extensión retroperitoneal, con menor expresión clínica, el TAC es sensible. La actuación terapéutica debe aplicarse sin demora y de forma agresiva de inicio. Un elevado índice de sospecha y una actuación rápida, agresiva y multidisciplinar, siguen siendo las claves en el manejo de esta patología, reduciendo así su alta mortalidad

INTRODUCTION: Necrotizing fasciitis, Fournier's gangrene when its origin is perianal, is a severe infection of the soft tissues, muscles and fascia, associated with high mortality. Clinical case. We present a case treated successfully in our center. 63-year-old patient with abdominal and perianal pain, highly suggestive clinical examination and plain X-ray, diagnosed with Fournier's gangrene with retroperitoneal extension. Therapeutic action without delay (aggressive surgical debridement, intensive resuscitation measures and broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy) saved the life of the patient. DISCUSSION: Fournier's gangrene is mainly associated with risk factors and its evolution is rapid and fulminant towards polymicrobial sepsis. The physical examination is sufficient for its diagnosis and we should not waste time in carrying out complementary tests. In the case of retroperitoneal extension, with less clinical expression, the CT scan is sensitive. Therapeutic action must be applied without delay and aggressively from the beginning. A high index of suspicion and rapid, aggressive and multidisciplinary action remain the keys to managing this pathology, thus reducing its high mortality

Impact of radiological diagnostics in the survivor of disseminated Fournier gangrene patient with septic pulmonary embolism.

A 51-year-old diabetic man diagnosed with prostatic abscess underwent its drainage twice. Following surgery he developed fever and right-sided painless visual loss due to endophthalmitis. To rule out its endogenous source CT scan was done which showed multisystem aetiology and complications. His pelvic CT and CT cystogram revealed postsurgical urethral injury along with urinary extravasation, perineal and pelvic soft tissues air densities with fat stranding ascribed to Fournier gangrene, air in distended urinary bladder due to emphysematous cystitis and right common iliac vein air containing septic thrombus. CT chest spotted bilateral multiple septic pulmonary emboli. These radiological findings were promptly handled by uro-surgical team followed by alliance with other relevant departments. With hasty surgical drainage/debridement, urological restoration of urinary obstruction, aggressive broad spectrum antibiotics, anticoagulation and radiological follow-ups the patient withstood multisystem lethal complications and come up with excellent outcome except evisceration.

Preoperative CT Findings and Interobserver Reliability of Fournier Gangrene.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of our study was to delineate CT findings and anatomic areas of involvement of surgically proven Fournier gangrene (FG) and determine interobserver reliability. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was a single-center retrospective study of patients with FG who underwent CT before surgical débridement of FG during a 9-year period. Thirty-eight patients with FG, 17 male and 21 female patients, underwent preoperative CT. Two radiologists reviewed the CT studies and recorded findings and anatomic areas of involvement. CT findings were categorized according to a previously described CT scoring system for necrotizing fasciitis and included the presence or absence of fascial air, muscle or fascial edema, fluid tracking, lymphadenopathy, and subcutaneous edema. Cohen kappa was calculated for interobserver reliability. RESULTS: Mean body mass index (BMI [weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared]) was 42, and 22 of 38 (58%) patients had diabetes. Mean BMI and proportion of patients with diabetes were significantly higher in female patients (mean BMI = 46; 16/21 with diabetes) than male patients (mean BMI = 36; 6/17 with diabetes). CT studies of most patients showed fascial air (36/38 [95%], both readers 1 and 2). Interobserver reliability was substantial to almost perfect for all CT findings except lymphadenopathy, for which it was fair (κ = 0.37). Genital, perineal, and ischiorectal involvement were seen in 87% (33/38), 87% (33/38), and 32% (12/38) of patients for reader 1 and 84% (32/38), 84% (32/38), and 26% (10/38) of patients for reader 2 (κ = 0.29, penis; κ = 0.65, scrotum; κ = 0.91, vulva and labia; κ = 0.68, perineal involvement; κ = 0.80, ischiorectal involvement). CONCLUSION: Most CT findings of FG and anatomic areas of involvement showed good interobserver reliability. A high proportion of female patients with FG were observed in this study compared with prior series.

Fournier's Gangrene Masking as Perineal and Scrotal Cellulitis.

Fournier's gangrene (FG) is a very serious and life threatening emergency. FG is a polymicrobial subset of necrotizing fasciitis affecting the genital region. Most cases have a perianal or colorectal focus; less often the gangrene originates from the urogenital tract or is preceded by trauma or a surgical procedure. FG is a surgical emergency that requires early intervention. Therefore, early recognition by emergency physicians is imperative. The diagnosis of FG during its early stages is often challenging and misdiagnosis is common. If FG is suspected, emergency department management should always include antimicrobial treatment with parenteral broad-spectrum antibiotics, aggressive hemodynamic stabilization and surgical consultation. We report a case of FG in an elderly male with no major risk factors, who presented with right groin and perineal pain that was initially diagnosed as scrotal cellulitis. He was later diagnosed with FG and subsequently developed multi-organ failure, required multiple surgical debridements, and was later transferred to a long-term care facility with poor prognosis. This case is important because it calls attention to the challenges of diagnosing this potentially fatal disease. Emergency physicians must recognize the symptoms of FG because early diagnosis can improve outcomes.

Fournier's Gangrene: Clinical Presentation of 13 Cases.

BACKGROUND Fournier's gangrene (FG) is a fulminant form of infective, polymicrobial, necrotizing fasciitis of the perineal, genital, and perianal regions. It commonly affects men, but women and children may also develop this type of tissue necrosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS This study is a retrospective analysis of the management of 13 cases of Fournier's gangrene, diagnosed from among about 45 000 patients (men, women, and children) treated in the Department of General, Oncological, and Functional Urology (Medical University of Warsaw) from 1995 to 2013. All patients with Fournier's gangrene underwent adequate surgical debridement of the necrotic tissues. Additional procedures (suprapubic cystostomy and orchiectomy) were necessary in 10 out of 13 (77.0%) patients. Seven out of 13 (53.8%) patients required subsequent reconstructive surgery of the scrotum. RESULTS All 13 patients were males, with a median age of 59.6 years (range: 42-68 years). The average hospital stay was 31.9 days (range: 16-46 days). None of our patients died due to Fournier's gangrene. Bacteriological cultures of samples from the wounds showed polymicrobial flora, including the following genera of aerobes and anaerobes: Escherichia, Proteus, Klebsiella, Moraxella, Gemella, Enterococcus, Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, Bacteroides, Pseudoflavonifractor, Parabacteroides, Porphyromonas, Prevotella, Peptoniphilus, Peptostreptococcus, Actinomyces, Collinsella, and Lactobacillus. CONCLUSIONS Favorable outcome of FG treatment with low morbidity and no mortality can be achieved with rapid diagnosis, urgent surgical debridement of all necrotic tissues, and broad-spectrum empirical antimicrobial therapy, usually with combined antibiotics, against aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. Prevention of uroseptic shock by treating localized infection is compulsory.