[Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio as predictor of mortality in patients with necrotizing fasciitis]. / Índice neutrófilo-linfocito como predictor de mortalidad en pacientes con fascitis necrotizante.

Background: Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) can affect any soft tissue and skin of the body. Its progression is rapid and it is associated with a high mortality rate. Therefore, the search for easily accessible and low-cost biomarkers that could predict the prognosis of patients with NF is necessary. Objective: To evaluate the role of neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as a predictor of mortality in patients with NF. Material and methods: Observational, cross-sectional, retrospective and analytical study of patients admitted between April and October 2020 in a tertiary-care hospital. The statistical tests used for the comparison of variables between the study groups were chi-square, Fisher's exact, Student's t and Mann-Whitney U. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was performed to determine the accuracy of NLR in predicting mortality in patients with NF. Results: A total of 25 patients were included and stratified into non-survivors and survivors. The non-survivor group had an elevated NLR value compared to survivors (15.57 [13.75] vs. 7.91 [4.13]; p = 0.065). The NLR had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.729 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.516-0.886; p = 0.044), sensitivity of 77.78% (40-97.2), and specificity of 75% (47.6-92.7). The optimal cut-off point obtained for NLR was > 9.21. Conclusions: An NLR value > 9.21 could be a predictor of mortality in patients with NF.

Introducción: la fascitis necrotizante (FN) puede afectar cualquier tejido blando y piel del cuerpo. Su progresión es rápida y está relacionada con un índice de mortalidad alto. Por lo tanto, la búsqueda de biomarcadores de fácil acceso y bajo costo que puedan predecir el pronóstico de los pacientes con FN es necesaria. Objetivo: evaluar el papel del índice neutrofilo-linfocito (INL) como un predictor de mortalidad en los pacientes con FN. Material y métodos: estudio observacional, transversal, retrospectivo y analítico de pacientes admitidos entre abril y octubre del 2020 en un hospital de tercer nivel. Las pruebas estadísticas utilizadas para la comparación de las variables entre los grupos de estudio fueron chi cuadrado, exacta de Fisher, t de Student y U de Mann-Whitney. Una curva característica operativa del receptor (ROC) fue realizada para determinar la precisión del INL en la predicción de mortalidad en pacientes con FN. Resultados: un total de 25 pacientes fueron incluidos y estratificados en no sobrevivientes y sobrevivientes. El grupo no sobreviviente tuvo un valor elevado del INL en comparación con los sobrevivientes (15.57 [13.75] frente a 7.91 [4.13]; p = 0.065). El INL tuvo un área bajo la curva (AUC) de 0.729 (intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC 95%] 0.516-0.886; p = 0.044), sensibilidad de 77.78% (40-97.2) y especificidad de 75% (47.6-92.7). El punto de corte óptimo obtenido para el INL fue > 9.21. Conclusiones: un valor de INL > 9.21 podría ser un predictor de mortalidad en los pacientes con FN.

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.

Household Transmission of Group A Streptococcus Necrotizing Fasciitis.

A healthy 40-year-old woman was diagnosed with necrotizing fasciitis 2 days after her husband's death from the same infectious process. Prompt identification and immediate surgical intervention prevented a similar result in this patient. Additional investigation into both patients' medical records found the inciting organism to be group A streptococcus. Although the exact mechanism of inoculation is unknown, the spread of this infection within a household prompts the question of whether antibiotic prophylaxis should be given among close contacts in future cases of necrotizing fasciitis.

Shock séptico secundario a fascitis necrotizante abdominal tras drenaje de absceso interesfintérico perianal / Septic shock secondary to abdominal necrotizing fascitis after drainage of perianal intersphyteric abscess

Resumen Objetivo: El objetivo de este manuscrito es presentar el caso de un varón de 41 años que debuta con shock séptico y fascitis necrotizante abdominal en el posoperatorio del desbridamiento de un absceso perianal para focalizar la atención del lector en la posible evolución clínica hacia gangrena de Fournier. Materiales y Método: Tras la intervención, el paciente refiere aumento de temperatura y sensación de crepitación subcutánea a nivel abdominal, junto con empeoramiento clínico y hemodinámico, evidenciándose evolución tórpida hacia gangrena de Fournier extendida a región abdominal. Resultados: Tras la reintervención, el paciente presentó una evolución favorable aunque requirió sucesivas curas y desbridamientos quirúrgicos. Conclusiones y Discusión: Cabe destacar la importancia de una exploración clínica completa y detallada previa a cualquier intervención quirúrgica, así como el diagnóstico temprano en situaciones de shock séptico que permitan inicio de antibioterapia precoz y control del foco eficaz.

Aim: The objective of this manuscript is to present the case of a 41-year-old man with septic shock and abdominal necrotizing fasciitis after drainage of an interesphinteric perianal abscess to focus the reader's attention on the possible clinical evolution towards Fournier's gangrene. Materials and Method: After the intervention, the patient reported an increase in temperature and a sensation of subcutaneous crepitus at the abdominal level, with clinical and hemodynamic worsening, showing a torpid evolution towards Fournier's gangrene extended to the abdominal area. Results: After the reoperation, the patient presented a favorable evolution, although he required successive cures and surgical debridements. Conclusions and Discussion: It is worth highlighting the importance of a complete and detailed clinical examination prior to any surgical intervention, as well as the early diagnosis in situations of septic shock that allow early initiation of antibiotic therapy and effective control of the focus.

Labio-facial Necrotizing Fasciitis in a Young Patient.

ABSTRACT: Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is an infection of the deeper tissues that results in progressive destruction of muscle fascia and overlying subcutaneous fat. It has a fast and destructive course. Moreover, it is related to immunosuppression and could be fatal. The aim of this study is to report a clinical case of a young patient, without immunosuppression, who developed NF evolution due to an erroneous diagnosis of abscess at the beginning of the disease. Patient was submitted to broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy and aggressive surgical treatment. Adequate treatment led to a satisfactory evolution in a short period of time. Early recognition and adequate treatment are essential for a favorable prognosis.

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.

Gangrena de Fournier / Fournier's gangrene

Introducción: La gangrena de Fournier es una enfermedad infecciosa caracterizada por una fascitis necrotizante de evolución fulminante que afecta a la región perineal, genital o perianal, con una rápida progresión y alta letalidad. Objetivo: Describir la sintomatología del paciente y buena evolución, a pesar de varios factores de mal pronóstico. Caso clínico: Se trata de un paciente masculino de 77 años de edad, diabético e hipertenso, remitido a cuidados intensivos, desde el servicio de Urología, con el diagnóstico de gangrena de Fournier, descontrol metabólico y agudización de su enfermedad renal crónica. Conclusiones: Con el tratamiento médico quirúrgico intensivo y la utilización de oxigenación hiperbárica, tuvo una evolución favorable, hasta su egreso(AU)

Introduction: Fournier gangrene is an infectious disease characterized by a necrotizing fascitis of fulminant evolution that affects the perineal, genital or perianal region, with rapid progression and high lethality. Objective: To describe the patient symptomatology and good evolution, despite several factors of poor prognosis. Clinical case: 77-year-old male patient, diabetic and hypertensive, referred to intensive care, from the urology department, with the diagnosis of Fournier gangrene, metabolic decontrol and exacerbation of chronic kidney disease. Conclusions: With intensive surgical and medical treatment and the use of hyperbaric oxygenation, he had a favorable evolution, until his discharge(AU)

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.

Case Report: Bothrops lanceolatus Snakebite Surgical Management-Relevance of Fasciotomy.

Bothrops lanceolatus is an endemic Crotalidae species in Martinique, where approximately 30 cases of envenoming are managed yearly. Envenoming characteristics from Bothrops species include local tissue damage, systemic bleeding, and hemodynamic alterations. We hereby report a case of severe envenomation following B. lanceolatus snakebite to the right calf. Severe local manifestations developed progressively up to the lower limb despite adequate antivenom therapy. Systemic manifestations of venom also occurred, resulting in intensive care therapy. Surgery exploration revealed soft tissue necrosis, friability of the deep fascia, and myonecrosis. The patient needed multiple debridement procedures and fasciotomy of all leg compartments and anterior compartment of the thigh. Diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis was confirmed by positive Aeromonas hydrophila blood cultures. This clinical case illustrates that major soft tissue infection, including necrotizing fasciitis may occur after snakebite. Abnormal coagulation tests should not delay surgical management, as severe envenoming is a life-threatening condition.

Fasceítis necrotizante cervical: consideraciones para el manejo precoz / Cervical necrotizing fascitis: considerations for early management

RESUMEN La fasceítis necrotizante cervical (FNC) es una infección que afecta la fascia cervical y tejido subcutáneo, diseminándose rápidamente a través de los planos fasciales con una alta tasa de mortalidad. Si bien, las imágenes son una herramienta de apoyo fundamental para el diagnóstico, éste sigue siendo eminentemente clínico, presentando una rápida progresión de síntomas en pocas horas. El objetivo de esta presentación fue identificar factores descritos con peor pronóstico en el diagnóstico precoz de la FNC. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de serie de casos de pacientes con diagnóstico de FNC en los últimos 10 años en el Servicio de Otorrinolaringología del Hospital Barros Luco Trudeau (HBLT). Se identificaron 5 pacientes, dentro de los cuales, los parámetros clínicos y de laboratorio a destacar fueron el dolor desproporcionado y rápido deterioro de exámenes de laboratorio. En los casos que había signos sugerentes de FNC en la tomografía computarizada, se favoreció el manejo quirúrgico agresivo, mientras que, en quienes no había imágenes sugerentes de FNC, se postergó el diagnóstico y su manejo precoz, provocando un desenlace fatal. La FNC constituye un cuadro grave en el que la sospecha clínica y rapidez de inicio del tratamiento resultan fundamental en el pronóstico.

ABSTRACT Cervical necrotizing fasciitis (CNF) is an infection that affects the cervical fascia and subcutaneous tissue. It is characterized by a rapid dissemination trough the fascial planes, with a high rate of mortality. Even tough imaging results a fundamental diagnostic tool, it is still made by clinic signs with rapid progression of symptoms in few hours. Here, we identify worse prognostic factors in the precocious diagnosis of CNF, from five cases presented in our center. A descriptive case-series study was performed in patients with CNF in the last ten years in the Otolaryngology Department of Barros Luco Trudeau Hospital. Five patients were identified, between the clinical and laboratory parameters. A disproportional pain and rapid deterioration of the laboratory exams were the most highlighted features. In the cases with suggestive signs of CFN in the CT scan, allowed an aggressive surgical management, while in those that had no suggestive images the diagnosis was delayed and therefore their management ended in a fatal outcome. CFN constitutes a severe picture in wich clinical suspicion and a prompt initiation of treatment are fundamental in its prognosis.

[Necrotizing fasciitis caused by a Garengeot's hernia. Case report]. / Fascitis necrotizante de la pared abdominal como presentación infrecuente de una hernia de Garengeot: Caso clínico.

Garengeot's hernia corresponds to the presence of the appendix within a femoral hernia, associated or not with acute appendicitis. The diagnosis of this uncommon situation is usually done during surgery. Furthermore, the clinical presentation as necrotizing fasciitis is a rare condition. We report a 54 years old obese hypertensive woman with rheumatoid arthritis of 40 years of evolution treated with methotrexate and prednisone. She consulted for pain and erythema in the right inguinal region. Laboratory revealed leukocytosis and an elevated C-reactive Protein. Suspecting a cellulitis, the patient was admitted for antimicrobial therapy. A pelvic magnetic resonance imaging showed a perforated acute appendicitis in an inguinal hernia with extensive pelvic cellulitis associated with signs of fasciitis. At surgery, an extensive groin and pubic fasciitis was evident, with a necrotic and perforated appendix within a femoral hernia. Surgical debridement, open appendectomy, and femoral hernioplasty without mesh were carried out. Vacuum-assisted closure was installed in the coverage defect. Three surgical debridement procedures were required for the closure of the wound. Two weeks after the first surgical procedure, the patient was discharged in good condition. During the follow-up, she evolved with a surgical wound dehiscence, which was managed with wound dressings until closure.

Bilateral periorbital necrotizing fasciitis: case report.

Necrotizing fasciitis is a severe infection of the subcutaneous tissue characterized by necrosis of the superficial fascia and overlying skin and is usually associated with previous trauma and comorbidities. Periorbital necrotizing fasciitis is rare and commonly causes visual loss and soft tissue defects. A better prognosis relies critically on early diagnosis, prompt medical treatment, and timely surgical intervention. We describe a rare case of periorbital necrotizing fasciitis in the absence of an inciting event. A 55-year-old female patient presented with acute painful swelling and redness of the right upper eyelid that spread to both eyelids bilaterally within 24 h. We swiftly started the patient on intravenous antibiotic therapy, and we surgically debrided the necrotic tissue the following day. We performed two further procedures to improve eyelid closure and appearance. Despite the severe presentation, timely antibiotic therapy and proper surgical interventions led to a successful outcome in this case.

Bilateral periorbital necrotizing fasciitis: case report / Fasciite necrosante periorbital bilateral: relato de caso

ABSTRACT Necrotizing fasciitis is a severe infection of the subcutaneous tissue characterized by necrosis of the superficial fascia and overlying skin and is usually associated with previous trauma and comorbidities. Periorbital necrotizing fasciitis is rare and commonly causes visual loss and soft tissue defects. A better prognosis relies critically on early diagnosis, prompt medical treatment, and timely surgical intervention. We describe a rare case of periorbital necrotizing fasciitis in the absence of an inciting event. A 55-year-old female patient presented with acute painful swelling and redness of the right upper eyelid that spread to both eyelids bilaterally within 24 h. We swiftly started the patient on intravenous antibiotic therapy, and we surgically debrided the necrotic tissue the following day. We performed two further procedures to improve eyelid closure and appearance. Despite the severe presentation, timely antibiotic therapy and proper surgical interventions led to a successful outcome in this case.

RESUMO Fasciite necrosante é uma infecção grave do tecido subcutâneo, caracterizada pela necrose da fáscia superficial e da pele sobrejacente. Traumas prévios e cormobidades geralmente estão associados à fasciite necrosante. Fasciite necrosante periorbital é rara. Perda visual e defeitos em tecidos moles são as morbidades mais comuns. Diagnóstico precoce, tratamento clínico rápido e intervenção cirúrgica oportuna levam a um melhor prognóstico. Reportamos um caso incomum de fasciite necrosante periorbital bilateral sem eventos desencadeantes. Uma paciente de 50 anos apresentou edema e eritema na pálpebra superior direita, que progrediu em 24 horas para ambas pálpebras bilateralmente. Ela era previamente hígida. A paciente foi submetida a debridamento cirúrgico do tecido necrótico, no mesmo dia. A paciente foi submetida a outras duas cirurgias, o que melhorou o fechamento palpebral e a aparência. Apesar da gravidade da doença, antibioticoterapia e cirurgias oportunas foram cruciais para o desfecho bem sucedido deste caso.

Fascitis necrotizante de la pared abdominal como presentación infrecuente de una hernia de Garengeot: caso clínico / Necrotizing fasciitis caused by a Garengeot's hernia: case report

Garengeot's hernia corresponds to the presence of the appendix within a femoral hernia, associated or not with acute appendicitis. The diagnosis of this uncommon situation is usually done during surgery. Furthermore, the clinical presentation as necrotizing fasciitis is a rare condition. We report a 54 years old obese hypertensive woman with rheumatoid arthritis of 40 years of evolution treated with methotrexate and prednisone. She consulted for pain and erythema in the right inguinal region. Laboratory revealed leukocytosis and an elevated C-reactive Protein. Suspecting a cellulitis, the patient was admitted for antimicrobial therapy. A pelvic magnetic resonance imaging showed a perforated acute appendicitis in an inguinal hernia with extensive pelvic cellulitis associated with signs of fasciitis. At surgery, an extensive groin and pubic fasciitis was evident, with a necrotic and perforated appendix within a femoral hernia. Surgical debridement, open appendectomy, and femoral hernioplasty without mesh were carried out. Vacuum-assisted closure was installed in the coverage defect. Three surgical debridement procedures were required for the closure of the wound. Two weeks after the first surgical procedure, the patient was discharged in good condition. During the follow-up, she evolved with a surgical wound dehiscence, which was managed with wound dressings until closure.

Escala LRINEC en la Fascitis necrosante. ¿Una herramienta diagnóstica útil? / LRINEC scale in necrotizing fasciitis. A useful diagnostic tool?

Introducción: El diagnóstico de fascitis necrosante es muy difícil y precisa un alto grado de sospecha clínica. Debido a la complejidad para diagnosticar esta entidad, en 2004, Wong propone un algoritmo diagnóstico basado en parámetros de laboratorio (escala LRINEC: Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fascitis). Objetivo: Demostrar la utilidad diagnóstica de la escala LRINEC en la fascitis necrosante. Material y Método: Se diseña un estudio prospectivo y descriptivo, tipo serie de casos, en 28 pacientes atendidos en el Servicio de Ortopedia y Traumatología del Hospital General Docente Julio Arístegui Villamil con el diagnóstico de fascitis necrosante, en el período comprendido entre enero de 2000 y junio de 2015. Se calcula el índice LRINEC (Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fascitis), para predecir el riesgo de la enfermedad. Resultado: El índice LRINEC mostró una estratificación de riesgo intermedio (6-7). En los pacientes que sobrevivieron se encontraron menores valores de Proteína C reactiva que los fallecidos (t=9,7). Los pacientes del estudio que fallecieron presentaron niveles de hemoglobina menores que los supervivientes (t=8,5) y valores de creatinina mayores (t=5,5). La media del recuento de leucocitos en ambos grupos se encontró por debajo de 15x109 cels/µl. El área bajo la curva ROC fue de 0,607 (IC95 por ciento=0,47-0,73) para el Score LRINEC de este estudio. El punto de corte tuvo una sensibilidad de 66 por ciento y una especificidad de 75 por ciento. Conclusiones: La escala LRINEC es una herramienta útil cuando se sospecha una fascitis necrosante, pero se suele requerir información adicional para confirmar el diagnóstico(AU)

Introduction: The diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis is very difficult to make, and requires a high degree of clinical suspicion. Because of the complexity of the diagnosis of this entity, Wong proposed an algorithm based on laboratory parameters in 2004 (LRINEC scale: Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fascitis). Objective: To demonstrate the diagnostic utility of LRINEC scale in necrotizing fasciitis. Material and Method: A descriptive prospective case series study was designed in 28 patients treated in the Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology of the General Teaching Hospital Julio Arístegui Villamil with the diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis, from January 2000 to June 2015. LRINEC (Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fascitis) score is calculated to predict risk of the disease. Results:LRINEC score showed an intermediate risk stratification (6-7). In the patients that survived, lower C-reactive protein levels than the ones in the deceased patients were found (t=9,7). The patients who were included in the study and died presented lower levels of hemoglobin than the ones who survived (t=8,5), and higher values of creatinine (t=5,5). The average value of leukocytes recount in both groups was below 15x109 cels/µl. The area under the ROC curve was 0,607 (IC95 percent=0,47-0,73) for the LRINEC Score in this study. The cutoff point had a sensitivity of 66 percent and a specificity of 75 percent. Conclusions: LRINEC scale is a useful tool when a necrotizing fasciitis is suspected, but additional information is usually required to confirm the diagnosis(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