Necrotizing Fasciitis: Myalgia Is Diagnostic? A Case Series and Literature Review.

Necrotizing fasciitis, commonly known as "flesh-eating disease," is an aggressive soft tissue infection that destroys the fascia, subcutaneous tissue, and skin. Specific clinical features (crepitus or radiologic features of gas in tissues) either appear late or are of poor sensitivity. Thus, a high index of clinical suspicion is required for early diagnosis and prompt treatment, which are the best methods of minimizing its high associated morbidity and mortality. We present 3 cases to demonstrate diagnostic difficulties and challenges in management and highlight the feature of pain on muscular activity.

Diverticulitis perforada causante de fascitis necrotizante de miembro inferior / Perforated diverticulitis causing necrotizing fasciitis of the lower limb / Diverticulite perfurada causando fasceíte necrosante do membro inferior

Mujer de 59 años, con antecedentes de diverticulosis de colon, que acude por dolor en la región inguinal y en el miembro inferior izquierdo de dos meses de evolución. En una primera instancia, la paciente se presentó con clínica de sepsis y se objetivó un eritema en el miembro inferior izquierdo, asociado a celulitis y crepitación subcutánea. La TC mostraba una colección hidroaérea en psoas y retroperitoneal que asciende hasta la cavidad abdominal hallándose una diverticulitis perforada. El tratamiento quirúrgico se basó en el drenaje de la colección retroperitoneal y sigmoidectomía, seguido de una fasciotomía, desbridamiento y lavado del muslo. La perforación de un divertículo puede formar un absceso intraperitoneal desarrollando una peritonitis o un absceso retroperitoneal, derivando en una translocación bacteriana hacia la extremidad inferior, debido a la comunicación existente en el anillo crural, generando una fascitis necrotizante del miembro.

Fascitis necrotizante cervical: experiencia en el Hospital General Dr. Manuel Gea González, Ciudad de México, / Cervical necrotizing fasciitis: Experience in the Hospital General Dr. Manuel Gea González, Mexico City,

Introducción: la fascitis necrotizante cervical es una entidad poco frecuente en la cabeza y el cuello, pero su importancia está dada por la elevada tasa de mortalidad. La importancia clínica de este estudio se debe al hecho de que no hay muchos reportes de casos de esta patología en América Latina, por lo cual queremos describir la experiencia en nuestro Hospital. Objetivo: describir la experiencia en fascitis necrotizante cervical en el Hospital General Dr. Manuel Gea González. Materiales y métodos: estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo y transversal de historias clínicas del Servicio de Otorrinolaringología y Cirugía de Cabeza y Cuello del Hospital General Dr. Manuel Gea González, de 2011 a 2017. Resultados: se incluyeron 11 historias clínicas con diagnóstico de fascitis necrotizante cervical, de las cuales 8 (72,7 %) eran hombres y 3 (27,2%) mujeres, con una edad promedio de 49,1 años. 5 (45,4 %) pacientes debutaron con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2). El origen de la infección fue odontogénico en 3 (27,2 %) pacientes. Los microorganismos más frecuentes fueron Klebsiella pneumoniae, Streptococcus anginosus y Staphylococcus epidermidis. Los 11 pacientes (100 %) fueron intervenidos quirúrgicamente e impregnados con antimicrobianos empíricos, que posteriormente fueron modificados o no según los resultados del antibiograma. La hospitalización promedio fue de 18,7 días. 3 (27,2 %) pacientes presentaron mediastinitis como complicación. Hubo 2 muertes (18,1 %). Conclusión: el diagnóstico temprano y el tratamiento antimicrobiano empírico y quirúrgico agresivo pueden reducir significativamente la morbimortalidad.

Introduction: Cervical necrotizing fasciitis is a rare entity in the head and neck, but its importance is given by the high mortality rate. The clinical importance of this study is due to the fact that there are not many case reports of this pathology in Latin America, which is why we want to describe the experience in our hospital. Objective: To describe the experience in cervical necrotizing fasciitis at the Hospital General Dr. Manuel Gea González. Materials and methods: Descriptive, retrospective and cross-sectional study of medical records of the Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery Service of the Hospital General Dr. Manuel Gea González, from 2011 to 2017. Results: 11 medical records with a diagnosis of cervical necrotizing fasciitis were included, of which 8 (72.7%) were men and 3 (27.2%) were women, with a mean age of 49.1 years. 5 (45.4%) patients presented with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The origin of the infection was odontogenic in 3 (27.2%) patients. The most frequent microorganisms were Klebsiella pneumoniae, Streptococcus anginosus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. The 11 patients (100%) underwent surgery and impregnated with empirical antimicrobials, which were later modified or not, according to the results of the antibiogram. The average hospitalization was 18.7 days. 3 (27.2%) patients presented mediastinitis as a complication. There were two deaths (18.1%). Conclusion: Early diagnosis and aggressive empirical and surgical antimicrobial treatment can significantly reduce morbidity and mortality.

Infección necrotizante de tejidos blandos: experiencia durante 15 años en un hospital pediátrico / Necrotizing soft tissue infections: experience over 15 years in a pediatric hospital

INTRODUCCIÓN: La Infección Necrotizante de tejidos blandos (INTB) tiene una elevada morbimortalidad. El objetivo de este trabajo es describir del manejo perioperatorio de menores de 15 años que cursaron con INTB durante 15 años en un Hospital pediátrico. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: serie de pacientes identificados INTB entre 2000 y 2015 en el Hospital Roberto del Río. Se describen variables demográficas, clínicas, vacuna, tratamiento, cirugías, complicaciones, microorganismos, seguimiento, y fallecimientos. RESULTADOS: 22 pacientes, con mediana de 2 años y 9 meses de edad. 50% estaban cursando con una varicela. Dos fallecieron. Ninguno era previamente vacunado contra el virus varicela zoster. La localización fue tronco (14), extremidades (7), cuello (1). Los pacientes conscientes presentaron hiperestesia cutánea. Se realizó aseo quirúrgico con una mediana de 6,8 horas desde el inicio de la hiperestesia y 2 horas desde la sospecha diagnóstica. Los microorganismos fueron: S. pyogenes (38%) y E. coli (31%). Los antibióticos más frecuentes fueron penicilina más clindamicina. La herida se manejó con cierre primario, injertos y/o colgajos. Cinco evolucionaron con secuelas que necesitaron tratamiento. CONCLUSIÓN: Se identificó que la INTB puede presentarse con varicela. Debe sospecharse en lesiones cutáneas e hiperestesia desproporcionada. Resección amplia y precoz son fundamentales para el tratamiento.

INTRODUCTION: Necrotizing soft tissue infection (NSTI) has a high morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study is to describe the perioperative management of children under 15 years of age who have had this condition for 15 years in a pediatric hospital. MATERIAL AND METHODS: cases series of patients identified by Pathological Anatomy with NSTI during 2000 and 2015 at the Dr. Roberto del Río Hospital. Demographic variables, treatment, antecedents of vaccination, surgeries, complications, microorganisms, follow-up, and deaths are described. RESULTS: 22 patients were identified, with a median of 2 years 9 months of age (interquartile range: 13 months to 5 years y 10 months). 50% of the cases were associated to chickenpox. Two died. No patient was previously vaccinated against varicella zoster virus. The location was trunk (14), extremities (7) and neck (1). All conscious patients presented cutaneous hyperesthesia. Surgical debridement was performed with a median of 6.8 hours from the onset of hyperesthesia and 2 hours from diagnostic suspicion. The most frequent microorganisms were: Streptococcus pyogenes (38%) and Escherichia coli (31%). The most frequent antibiotics used were penicillin plus clindamycin. The wound was handled with primary closure, grafts and / or flaps. Five patients evolved with sequelae that needed treatment. CONCLUSION: It was identified that STNI in children is associated with chickenpox. It should be suspected in cutaneous lesions and disproportionate hyperesthesia. Aggressive resection is essential for treatment

Subphrenic abscess secondary to cervical abscess and fasciitis from dental focus: case report.

BACKGROUND: Cervical fasciitis is a group of severe infections with high morbimortality. Reports in the literature of patients with cases evolving with mediastinal dissemination of deep cervical abscess are common. However, cases of abdominal dissemination by contiguity are much rarer. CASE PRESENTATION: A 34-year-old Caucasian man presented to the emergency department with a 15-day history of left neck edema, local pain, and fever. Seventeen days prior to presentation, he had undergone odontogenic surgical treatment in a dental clinic. Laboratory examinations did not show meaningful changes. He underwent computed tomography of the neck, thorax, and abdomen, which showed evidence of left collection affecting the retromandibular, submandibular, parapharyngeal, vascular, and mediastinal spaces, bilateral pleural effusion, right subphrenic collection and a small amount of liquids between intestinal loops. A cervical, thoracic, and abdominal surgical approach at the same surgery was indicated for odontogenic cervical abscess, descending necrotizing mediastinitis, and subphrenic abscess. The patient remained in the intensive care unit for three days, and he was discharged on the 22nd day after surgery with no drains and no tracheostomy. His outpatient discharge occurred after 6 months with no sequelae. CONCLUSIONS: Aggressive surgical treatment associated with antibiotic therapy has been shown to be effective for improving the clinical course of cervical fasciitis. Despite the extension of the infection in our patient, a surgical approach of all infectious focus associated with a broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy led to a good clinical evolution and has significant implications for aggressive treatment.

Fascitis necrotizante de origen odontogénico: revisión de literatura y reporte de caso / Necrotizing fascitis of odontogenic origin. Review of literature and case report

La fascitis necrotizante (FN) es una infección poco común. Las primeras manifestaciones clínicas incluyen fiebre, dolor intenso, edema y enrojecimiento en el sitio de la herida. Esta patología se caracteriza por la evolución fulminante y la alta tasa de mortalidad que representa. El propósito del presente trabajo es describir las características de la fascitis necrotizante de origen odontogénico mediante la presentación de un caso clìnico y una revisión de la literatura y destacar las graves consecuencias que una infección dental podría desencadenar. Se resalta el enfoque multidisciplinario en estos casos y la interacción constante entre las diferentes especialidades médico-odontológicas para garantizar una gestión adecuada de cada caso. (AU)

Necrotizing Fasciitis (FN) is a rare infection. The first clinical manifestations include fever, severe pain, edema and redness at the site of the wound. This pathology is characterized by the fulminating evolution and the high mortality rate it represents. The purpose of this work is to describe the characteristics of Necrotizing Fasciitis of Odontogenic Origin by presenting a clinical case and a review of the literature and highlight the serious consequences that a dental infection could trigger. The multidisciplinary approach is emphasized in these cases and the constant interaction between the different medical-odontological specialties to guarantee an adequate management of each case. (AU)

Atypical presentation of cervical necrotizing fasciitis: case report

Cervical necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a soft tissue infection with a low incidence, characterized by rapid progression and high morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this report is to communicate the case of a patient diagnosed with cervical NF and its successful management. A 54-year-old male consulted after suffering from the condition for seven days. It was characterized by bilateral submandibular swelling, accompanied by fever, dysphagia, odynophagia, which were severely affecting the patient's general health. Physical examination revealed a painful, erythematous cervical swelling. A cervical computed tomography scan was performed, revealing a gaseous collection in the left mucosal pharyngeal space, extending to the glottis, associated with significant deep plane soft tissue emphysema onon the left side of the neck and with possible involvement of the danger space; pertinent lab findings include 19,190/uL leukocytes and 219mg/L CRP. Broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy was initiated with ceftriaxone and clindamycin. Exploratory surgery, lavage and drainage of the collected material were performed. Streptococcus anginosus was isolated by culture. The patient recovered appropriately showing improvement in clinical as well as in inflammatory parameters, being discharged on the ninth day. He is currently receiving periodical checkups in the surgery polyclinic

Fascitis necrotizante. Presentación de un paciente / Necrotizing fascitis. Presentationof a patient

La fascitis necrotizante es una enfermedad infecciosa grave y poco frecuente de piel y partes blandas, asociada a una alta mortalidad. Generalmente es de etiología polimicrobiana, su manejo es difícil y representa un desafío para todo el personal de salud implicado en el tratamiento. Se presenta un paciente con ese diagnóstico atendido en el servicio de Cirugía General del Hospital General Docente Leopoldito Martínez, de San José de las Lajas, provincia Mayabeque, El mismo se presentó con un absceso perianal que evolucionó hacia una fascitis necrotizante afectando al escroto derecho, la región inguinal y toda la pared anterolateral del abdomen, evolucionando al shock séptico. En el paciente que se presenta, el diagnóstico fue clínico, la conducta terapéutica estuvo sustentada en el tratamiento quirúrgico, el uso de antimicrobianos sistémicos y del oleozón tópico. La evolución fue satisfactoria(AU)

Necrotizing fascitis is a critical and non-frequent infectious disease of the skin and soft tissues, associatedto a high mortality. Generallyit has a poli-microbial etiology, its management is difficult and it represents a challenge for all the health personnel involved in the treatment. A patient comes with that diagnosis assisted in General Surgery Service at LeopolditoMartínez General Teaching Hospital in San José de lasLajas, Mayabequeprovince, the patient went to the hospital complaining of a perianal abscess that developed to a necrotizing fascitis affecting the right scrotumin the inguinal site and all the anterolateral abdomen wall , developing asepticshock. In this patient it was a clinical diagnosisthe therapeutic management was a surgical treatment,the use of systemic antimicrobials and topicoleozon. The evolution was good(AU)

[Complicated diverticular disease debuting as necrotising fasciitis of pelvic limb. A case report]. / Enfermedad diverticular complicada iniciada como fascitis necrosante de miembro pélvico. Reporte de caso.

BACKGROUND: Diverticular disease, and the diverticulitis, the main complication of it, are widely studied diseases with multiple chronic cases reported in the literature, but there are no atypical presentations with extra-abdominal symptoms coupled with seemingly unrelated entities, such as necrotising fasciitis. CLINICAL CASE: Female 52 years old, was admitted to the emergency department with back pain of 22 days duration. History of importance: Chronic use of benzodiazepines intramuscularly. Physical examination revealed the presence of a gluteal abscess in right pelvic limb with discoloration, as well as peri-lesional cellulitis and crepitus that stretches across the back of the limb. Fasciotomy was performed with debridement of necrotic tissue. Progression was torpid with crackling in abdomen. Computed tomography showed free air in the cavity, and on being surgically explored was found to be complicated diverticular disease. DISCUSSION: It is unusual for complicated diverticular disease to present with symptoms extra-peritoneal (< 2%) and even more so that a diverticulitis is due to necrotising fasciitis (< 1%). The absence of peritoneal manifestations delayed the timely diagnosis, which was evident with the crackling of the abdomen and abdominal computed tomography scan showing the parietal gaseous process. CONCLUSION: All necrotising fasciitis needs an abdominal computed tomography scan to look for abdominal diseases (in this case diverticulitis), as their overlapping presentation delays the diagnosis and consequently the treatment, making a fatal outcome inevitable.

[Necrotizing fasciitis caused by Streptococcus pyogenes: a case report]. / Fascitis necrotizante por Streptococcus pyogenes: a propósito de un caso.

Necrotizing fasciitis caused by group A Streptococcus is an uncommon infection of the subcutaneous tissue and fascia, with a high mortality rate due to its rapid progression to shock and multiorgan failure. It usually develops in extremities after trauma or previous injury. Early diagnosis is essential as well as fast and aggressive management. We present a case of rapidly evolving necrotizing fasciitis despite the early diagnosis and specific treatment established.

La fascitis necrotizante por estrepotococo del grupo A es una infección infrecuente del tejido subcutáneo y de la fascia, con una tasa de mortalidad elevada debido a su rápida progresión a shock y fallo multiorgánico. Se desarrolla generalmente en extremidades tras un traumatismo o lesión previa. El diagnóstico temprano es esencial así como también el manejo rápido y agresivo. Presentamos un caso de fascitis necrotizante de evolución rápida a pesar del diagnóstico precoz y tratamiento específico instaurado.

Negative pressure wound therapy in preseptal orbital cellulitis complicated with necrotizing fasciitis and preseptal abscess.

PURPOSE: Preseptal cellulitis (PC) may be locally complicated with abscess formation and necrotizing fasciitis. If not treated promptly and adequately, it may result in further complications. The authors report a series of patients where negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) proved a safe and valuable adjunct therapy in avoiding complications of PC and in accelerating wound healing. METHODS: A 4 patient case series. Four male patients (11 months to 58 years old) with unilateral complicated PC. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were admitted with PC and treated initially with specific intravenous antibiotic therapy. These patients did not respond adequately; therefore, surgical drainage and/or debridement were performed. After surgery, persistent edema and purulent discharge was observed prompting the need for adjunct NPWT every 48 to 72 hours. NPWT is the use of vacuum through a wound filler material covered with an airtight drape connected to a pump. Complete ophthalmologic examination was performed after each 48-hour cycle. Length of hospital stay, days from surgery to discharge, days from start of NPWT to discharge, clinical improvement, and safety. RESULTS: Four patients were diagnosed with PC between 2 and 5 days of evolution. Two diabetic adults developed the condition secondary to trauma, the adolescent as a result of a cosmetic piercing, and the infant associated to sinusitis. NPWT reached -125 mm·Hg, except for the infant who received -75 mm·Hg. The average number of days necessary for improvement with NPWT was 6.7 days. Only 2 patients required surgical reconstruction. Time from debridement to discharge was in average 13.5 days. No ocular complications were observed, and follow up was satisfactory with normal eyelid function and aesthetics and preserved visual acuity. CONCLUSIONS: NPWT proved to be safe and effective for treating locally complicated PC as an adjuvant therapy to antibiotic and surgical treatment that decreased the length of hospital stay, and the time for recovery in patients that were slow responders. No ocular complications were observed in any of these patients' follow up ranging from 1 to 4 years.

Fascitis necrotizante tipo II como urgencia dermatológica en un recién nacido / Type II necrotizing fasciitis as a dermatological emergency in a newborn

La fascitis necrotizante es una infección rápidamente progresiva de la piel y de los tejidos blandos, que suele asociarse con una importante toxicidad sistémica. Es considerada una urgencia dermatológica. Se presenta el caso clínico de un recién nacido sin antecedentes perinatales patológicos que con 12 días de vida; ingresó en cuidados especiales neonatales por una infección grave de partes blandas en la región torácica que evolucionó al shock. La clínica, hemoquímica y la microbiología confirmaron el diagnóstico de una fascitis necrotizante. En su evolución requirió una valoración multidisciplinaria e inmediato tratamiento quirúrgico agresivo por caumatología; que consistió en la resección, con desbridamiento amplio y completo de todos los tejidos necróticos. Al mes de vida, se decidió realizar un injerto libre de piel que se extrajo de la propia madre (injerto homólogo). Fue egresado después de 3 meses de estancia hospitalaria con una recuperación completa y sin evidencia de daños orgánicos. La fascitis necrotizante en el recién nacido es considerada una urgencia dermatológica inusual(AU)

Necrotizing fasciitis is a rapidly progressive infection of the skin and soft tissues, often associated with a significant systemic toxicity. It is considered a dermatological emergency. The case of a newborn with 12 days of life and with no pathological perinatal history is presented; admitted for special neonatal cares service due to a severe soft tissue infection in the thoracic region that evolved to shock. Clinical, microbiology and chemistry testing confirmed the diagnosis of a necrotizing fasciitis. In its evolution, it was required a multidisciplinary and immediate aggressive surgical treatment by burnt specialists; which consisted of resection, with broad and complete removal of all necrotic tissue. After one month of life, we decided to perform a free skin graft taken from the mother herself (homologous graft). The patient was discharged from hospital after 3 months, with a full recovery and no evidence of organ damage. Newborn necrotizing fasciitis is considered an unusual dermatological emergency(AU)

[Postpartum vulvar necrotizing fasciitis]. / Fascitis necrotizante vulvar posparto.

OBJECTIVE: To report the case of postpartum vulvar necrotizing fasciitis diagnosis and management. CASE REPORT: A 16 year old woman with a history of vaginal delivery with episiotomy uncomplicated puerperium who presents in vulvar necrotizing fasciitis rapid progression to septic shock with spread to pelvis and abdomen. RESULTS: A CT scan at the level reported amount of gas vaginal labia. CONCLUSIONS: An early diagnosis, multidisciplinary treatment including extensive surgical management, appropriate antibiotic coverage and intensive care unit, are factors that improve the prognosis and reduce mortality.

Gangrena de Fournier / Fournier's gangrene

Introducción: la gangrena de Fournier es una enfermedad rara y grave, caracterizada por fasciitis necrotizante, sinergística y polimicrobiana, que mantiene alta mortalidad. Objetivo: contribuir a un mayor conocimiento del diagnóstico, tratamiento y pronóstico individual de esta rara enfermedad. Métodos: fueron estudiados siete pacientes tratados entre febrero de 2010 y abril de 2011. Se evaluaron datos demográficos, enfermedades asociadas, etiología, tratamiento, complicaciones y mortalidad, así como tiempo con sonda y estadía hospitalaria. Resultados: Los pacientes fueron hombres con edad media de 43,3 años; el más joven tenía 30 años y el mayor 49. Enfermedades asociadas: síndrome de inmuno deficiencia adquirida (2), diabetes mellitus (1), hipertensión arterial (1). El origen perineal (4) y escrotal (3). Tres pacientes referían fístulas o abscesos perineales. El tiempo de evolución fluctuó entre 6 y 30 días. Las manifestaciones clínicas se caracterizaron por dolor, aumento de volumen en regiones perineal, escrotal o ambas y secreción fétida. Se encontró crepitación cuando la enfermedad invadió regiones inguinales y pared abdominal. El tratamiento quirúrgico comprendió desbridamiento y derivaciones digestivas (colostomía), urológicas (cistotomía) o ambas. El número de intervenciones varió entre tres y siete. Se practicó la reconstrucción quirúrgica del periné y escroto con el uso de injertos de piel a los sobrevivientes. Tres enfermos (42,9 porciento) tuvieron complicaciones: shock séptico, fallo orgánico múltiple y estenosis uretral tardía (1). Falleció un enfermo (14,3 porciento), que había ingresado con manifestaciones de shock séptico. Conclusiones: El éxito del tratamiento se logra con el diagnóstico temprano, desbridamiento quirúrgico precoz, agresivo y antibioticoterapia de amplio espectro(AU)

Introduction: Fournier's gangrene is a rare and serious disease, which is characterized by necrotizing, synergistic and polymicrobial fasciitis and maintains high mortality. Objective: to contribute to a better knowledge about the individual diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of this rare disease. Methods: Seven patients who were treated from February 2010 to April 2011 were studied. Demographic data, associated diseases, etiology, treatment, complications and mortality were evaluated as well as the time with probe and hospital stay. Results: the patients were men with a mean age of 43, 3 years; the youngest was 30 years old and the oldest was 49. The associated diseases were: acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (2), diabetes mellitus (1), and hypertension (1). The origins were perineal (4) and scrotal (3). Three patients reported to have perineal fistulas or abscesses. The time of evolution fluctuated between 6 and 30 days. Clinical manifestations were characterized by pain, increase in volume in perineal or scrotal regions or both and fetid secretion. Crepitation was found when the disease occupied the inguinal regions and the abdominal wall. Surgical treatment required debridement and digestive derivations (colostomy), urinary derivations (cytostomy) or both. The number of interventions varied between three and seven. Surgical reconstruction of the perineum and scrotum was practiced, using skin grafts in the survivors. Three patients (42.9 percent) presented complications: septic shock, multiple organ failure and late urethral stricture (1). A patient who had been admitted with manifestations of septic shock died (14.3 percent). Conclusions: the success of the treatment is achieved with the early diagnosis, early aggressive surgical debridement, and broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy(AU)

Accurate diagnosis and treatment of Vibrio vulnificus infection: a retrospective study of 12 cases

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Vibrio vulnificus causes an infectious disease that has extremely poor convalescence and leads to necrotic fasciitis. In this study, we sought to define the characteristic epidemiology of V. vulnificus infection and clarify its diagnosis at the global level. METHODS: Over a period of 10 years, we investigated the appearance of symptoms, underlying conditions, treatment, and mortality in 12 patients (eight men, four women; >50 years old; average age, 66 years,) infected with V. vulnificus. RESULTS: The development of symptoms occurred primarily between June and September, a period during which seawater temperature rises and the prevalence of V. vulnificus increases. All patients had underlying diseases, and seven patients reported a history of consuming fresh fish and uncooked shellfish. The patients developed sepsis and fever with sharp pain in the limbs. Limb abnormalities were observed on visual examination. All patients underwent debridement; however, in the survival group, the involved limb was amputated early in 80% patients. The mortality rate was 58.3%. CONCLUSION: Recognition of the characteristic epidemiology and clinical features of this disease is important, and positive debridement should be performed on suspicion. When the illness reaches an advanced stage, however, amputation should be the immediate treatment of choice.

Accurate diagnosis and treatment of Vibrio vulnificus infection: a retrospective study of 12 cases.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Vibrio vulnificus causes an infectious disease that has extremely poor convalescence and leads to necrotic fasciitis. In this study, we sought to define the characteristic epidemiology of V. vulnificus infection and clarify its diagnosis at the global level. METHODS: Over a period of 10 years, we investigated the appearance of symptoms, underlying conditions, treatment, and mortality in 12 patients (eight men, four women; >50 years old; average age, 66 years,) infected with V. vulnificus. RESULTS: The development of symptoms occurred primarily between June and September, a period during which seawater temperature rises and the prevalence of V. vulnificus increases. All patients had underlying diseases, and seven patients reported a history of consuming fresh fish and uncooked shellfish. The patients developed sepsis and fever with sharp pain in the limbs. Limb abnormalities were observed on visual examination. All patients underwent debridement; however, in the survival group, the involved limb was amputated early in 80% patients. The mortality rate was 58.3%. CONCLUSION: Recognition of the characteristic epidemiology and clinical features of this disease is important, and positive debridement should be performed on suspicion. When the illness reaches an advanced stage, however, amputation should be the immediate treatment of choice.

Fascitis necrosante en una lactante / Necrotizing fasciitis in a newborn

La fascitis necrosante es una infección grave de los tejidos blandos, que afecta progresiva y rápidamente la piel, el tejido celular subcutáneo y la fascia muscular. Se presenta el caso de una lactante remitida desde el Hospital Rural La Pimienta con manifestaciones respiratorias y lesiones rojizas en cuello, cara, tronco y extremidades. Los exámenes realizados confirmaron el diagnóstico de la enfermedad. La paciente evolucionó favorablemente, gracias al diagnóstico precoz y al tratamiento multidisciplinario, emergente e intensivo aplicado(AU)

Necrotizing fasciitis is a soft tissue serious infection that affects progressively and quickly the skin, subcutaneous cellular tissue and muscle fascia. The case of a new born is reported, who was referred from La Pimienta rural hospital with respiratory manifestations and reddish lesions in neck, face, trunk and extremities. Examinations confirmed the diagnosis of the disease. The patient made good progression due to early diagnosis and emergent and intensive multidisciplinary treatment(AU)

Fascitis necrosante en una lactante / Necrotizing fasciitis in a newborn

La fascitis necrosante es una infección grave de los tejidos blandos, que afecta progresiva y rápidamente la piel, el tejido celular subcutáneo y la fascia muscular. Se presenta el caso de una lactante remitida desde el Hospital Rural La Pimienta con manifestaciones respiratorias y lesiones rojizas en cuello, cara, tronco y extremidades. Los exámenes realizados confirmaron el diagnóstico de la enfermedad. La paciente evolucionó favorablemente, gracias al diagnóstico precoz y al tratamiento multidisciplinario, emergente e intensivo aplicado.

Necrotizing fasciitis is a soft tissue serious infection that affects progressively and quickly the skin, subcutaneous cellular tissue and muscle fascia. The case of a new born is reported, who was referred from La Pimienta rural hospital with respiratory manifestations and reddish lesions in neck, face, trunk and extremities. Examinations confirmed the diagnosis of the disease. The patient made good progression due to early diagnosis and emergent and intensive multidisciplinary treatment.