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.

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)

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.

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)

Cervicofacial necrotizing fasciitis of odontogenic origin following chemotherapy: A case report and implications for Oral Care in cancer treatment

Objective: Cervicofacial necrotizing fasciitis (CNF) is a rapidly spreading and often fatal infection of the soft tissues of head and neck characterized by tissue necrosis and profuse purulent discharge. This report describes a cancer patient, who had undergone chemotherapy and developed CNF of odontogenic origin to highlight the need for oral examination before commencement of chemotherapy.Case description: A 68 years old retired gardener who developed CNF from infected right permanent mandibular first and second molars. He had undergone surgery and had 3 cycles of Cisplastin, 5-Fluorouracil and Adriamycin on account of carcinoma of the head of pancreas. No oral assessment was carried out prior to commencement of chemotherapy to detect a potential source of infection. Management included removal of the causative teeth, incision and drainage, repeated debridement, daily dressing of wound with Povidone-iodine solution and intravenous antibiotic based on pus microscopy, culture and sensitivity report. He however succumbed to the disease 23 days later. Conclusion: CNF of odontogenic origin is an extremely fatal condition. Early detection and prompt aggressive treatment is a key to successful outcome. Clinicians involved with management of cancer patients should routinely seek the expertise of a dentist for a pre-chemotherapy oral assessment and all potential sources of infections are removed before chemotherapy begins

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 necrosante clostridial asociada a neoplasia colónica perforada: importancia de un diagnóstico precoz / Necrotizing fasciitis following colon neoplasm perforation: the clue of an early detection

Introducción: La gangrena espontánea por Clostridium septicum es una entidad poco frecuente con una alta mortalidad que se asocia a pacientes neoplásicos y/o inmunodeprimidos. Caso clínico: Presentamos un caso de gangrena clostridial en un paciente con neoplasia de colon ascendente perforada a retroperitoneo. Discusión-conclusiones: Aunque es poco común deberemos pensar en una infección clostridial en pacientes sépticos y sospecha de neoplasia colónica. En ausencia de diagnóstico y tratamiento precoz, el pronóstico es fatal.

Introduction: Spontaneous gangrene due to Clostridium septicum is a low frequency pathology with a high mortality rate. It is related to neoplasic and/or immunodeficient patients. Case report: We present the case of a patient who presented clostridial gangrene associated with a perforated colon neoplasm. Discussion-conclusions: Although it is not very common it must supposed a clostridial infection in septic patients with colon neoplasm suspect. If diagnosis and treatment are delayed the prognostic of the patient is fatal.

Fascitis necrotizante en neonato: informe de caso y revisión de tema / Necrotizing fasciitis in neonate: a case report and review of literature

Introducción. La fascitis necrotizante es una infección de las partes blandas rápidamente progresiva que afecta la piel, el tejido celular subcutáneo, la fascia superficial y en ocasiones la profunda. Estas lesiones producen una importante necrosis hística, con grave toxicidad sistémica. Es una patología que no se presenta con mucha frecuencia en neonatos, y al no ser detectada a tiempo su mortalidad sobrepasa el 70%. Su diagnóstico es esencialmente clínico, aunque exámenes como tomografía, resonancia magnética y cultivo de secreciones guían a esta entidad. Caso Clínico. Presentamos el caso de un neonato masculino que nace vía vaginal y es ingresado a la unidad de neonatología como potencialmente séptico ya que la madre presentó infección del tracto urinario en su tercer trimestre. En su cuarto día de cobertura antibiótica desarrolla ampollas en región lumbosacra y se decide cambio de ampicilina y amikacina a oxacilina. Al poco tiempo desarrolla áreas de necrosis y se maneja como fascitis necrotizante agregándole piperacilina más tazobactam, debridación de área afectada y curaciones diarias. Conclusión. El éxito del tratamiento en un neonato requiere un diagnóstico preciso y precoz que incluye desbridamiento de los tejidos afectados, cobertura de antibióticos de amplio espectro y soporte de cuidados intensivos.

Necrotizing fasciitis: eight-year experience and literature review

OBJECTIVES: To describe clinical, laboratory, microbiological features, and outcomes of necrotizing fasciitis. METHODS: From January 1, 2004 to December 31, 2011, 115 patients (79 males, 36 females) diagnosed with necrotizing fasciitis were admitted to Mackay Memorial Hospital in Taitung. Demographic data, clinical features, location of infection, type of comorbidities, microbiology and laboratory results, and outcomes of patients were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: Among 115 cases, 91 survived (79.1%) and 24 died (20.9%). There were 67 males (73.6%) and 24 females (26.4%) with a median age of 54 years (inter-quartile ranges, 44.0-68.0 years) in the survival group; and 12 males (50%) and 12 females (50%) with a median age of 61 years (inter-quartile ranges, 55.5-71.5 years) in the non-surviving group. The most common symptoms were local swelling/erythema, fever, pain/tenderness in 92 (80%), 87 (76%) and 84 (73%) patients, respectively. The most common comorbidies were liver cirrhosis in 54 patients (47%) and diabetes mellitus in 45 patients (39%). A single organism was identified in 70 patients (61%), multiple pathogens were isolated in 20 patients (17%), and no microorganism was identified in 30 patients (26%). The significant risk factors were gender, hospital length of stay, and albumin level. DISCUSSION: Necrotizing fasciitis, although not common, can cause notable rates of morbidity and mortality. It is important to have a high index of suspicion and increase awareness in view of the paucity of specific cutaneous findings early in the course of the disease. Prompt diagnosis and early operative debridement with adequate antibiotics are vital. .

Cervical Necrotizing Fasciitis of Odontogenic Origin in a Diabetic Patient Complicated by Substance Abuse

Cervical necrotizing fasciitis (CNF) is an uncommon, potentially fatal soft tissue infection with rapid progression characterized by necrosis in the subcutaneous tissue and fascia. A case of CNF of odontogenic origin in a diabetic patient, complicated by alcohol dependence and tobacco abuse, is presented with a literature review. The emergency procedure comprised hydration, colloid administration, glycemic control and broad spectrum antibiotic therapy, followed by aggressive surgical debridement. Necrosis in the platysma muscle was verified by histopathologic analysis. Reconstructive surgery was performed after suppressing the infection, and the wound was closed with an autologous skin graft. The patient had a long hospital stay, in part because the substance abuse led to a difficult recovery. The principles of early diagnosis, aggressive surgical debridement, broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy and intensive supportive care in the treatment of CNF were confirmed in the present case. It was concluded that given the occurrence of CNF in the presence of diabetes mellitus and abuse of substances such as alcohol and tobacco, the health care professional should consider a stronger response to treatment and longer hospitalization.

A fasceíte necrotizante cervical (FNC) é uma infecção rara de tecidos moles, potencialmente fatal, caracterizada por necrose no tecido subcutâneo e fascia com progressão rápida. Um caso de FNC de origem odontogênica em um paciente diabético, complicado por dependência alcoólica e abuso de tabaco, é relatado junto a uma revisão da literatura. O procedimento de emergência compreendeu hidratação, administração de colóide, controle glicêmico e antibioticoterapia de amplo espectro, seguido de debridamento cirúrgico agressivo. Necrose no músculo platisma foi verificada por análise histopatológica. Cirurgia reconstrutiva foi feita após resolução da infecção e a ferida foi fechada com enxerto dérmico autógeno. O paciente teve um longo período de internação hospitalar, em parte devido ao abuso de substâncias, o que levou a uma recuperação difícil. Os princípios de diagnóstico imediato, debridamento cirúrgico agressivo, antibioticoterapia de amplo espectro e cuidados em terapia intensiva no tratamento da FNC foram confirmados no presente caso. Foi concluído que diante da ocorrência de FNC na presença de diabetes mellitus e de abuso de substâncias como álcool e tabaco, o profissional assistente deve considerar uma resposta mais difícil ao tratamento e maior tempo de internação.

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.

Qué debemos saber hoy en día de la fascitis necrotizante: a propósito de dos casos / What we know today of necrotizing fasciitis: two case reports

La fascitis necrotizante es una infección grave que afecta tejidos blandos y causa necrosis de la fascia. El tipo más frecuente es la polimicrobiana o sinergística y en segundo lugar la forma monomicrobiana. Las bacterias involucradas con mayor frecuencia en esta enfermedad son el Streptococcus B-hemolítico del grupo A. (Streptococcus pyogenes y Staphylococcus aureus). En el tratamiento lo más importante es el desbridamiento quirúrgico y cobertura antibiótica adecuada. Presentación de casos: dos pacientes masculino y femenino con lesiones dolorosas inicialmente con cambios inflamatorios y luego necrotizantes localizadas en axila izquierda y pierna derecha respectivamente, con mayor afectación sistémica en el paciente masculino. Fueron tratados con cobertura antibiótica amplia, y en el segundo caso se realizó desbridamiento quirúrgico. Ambos con buena evolución clínica. Conclusión: La fascitis necrotizante es una enfermedad poco frecuente pero grave la cual puede llevar a falla multiorgánica y muerte, por ello es importante realizar un diagnóstico oportuno para instaurar el tratamiento adecuado...

Fatal Necrotizing Fasciitis Due to Streptococcus pneumoniae: A Case Report

Necrotizing fasciitis is known to be a highly lethal infection of deep-seated subcutaneous tissue and superficial fascia. Reports of necrotizing fasciitis due to Streptococcus pneumoniae are exceedingly rare. We report a case of necrotizing fasciitis in a 62-yr-old man with liver cirrhosis and diabetes mellitus. He presented with painful swelling of left leg and right hand. On the day of admission, compartment syndrome was aggravated and the patient underwent surgical exploration. Intra-operative findings revealed necrotizing fasciitis and cultures of two blood samples and wound aspirates showed S. pneumoniae. The patient died despite debridement and proper antimicrobial treatment. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of fatal necrotizing fasciitis with meningitis reported in Korea. We also review and discuss the literature on pneumococcal necrotizing fasciitis.

Bullae and Sweat Gland Necrosis in the Differential Diagnosis for Vibrio vulnificus Infection in an Alcoholic Patient

Bullae and sweat gland necrosis remain rare cutaneous manifestation, and these conditions can be misdiagnosed as Vibrio vulnificus infections or other soft tissue infections because of their low index of suspicion. A 46-yr-old man with a history of continued alcohol consumption presented with erythematous and hemorrhagic bullous lesions on his left arm. The patient reported that after the ingestion of clams, he slept for 12 hr in a heavily intoxicated state. Then the skin lesions started as a reddish patch that subsequently became hemorrhagic bullae. V. vulnificus infection, cellulitis, and necrotizing fasciitis were considered in initial differential diagnosis. However, on the basis of sweat gland necrosis on histopathologic examinations and negative results on bacterial cultures, we made the diagnosis of bullae and sweat gland necrosis. Therefore, bullae and sweat gland necrosis should also be considered in chronic alcoholic patients who present with bullae and a previous history of unconsciousness.