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

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

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.

Etiological factors and treatment outcome of genital and perineal necrotizing fascitis [Fournier's gangrene]

To analyze clinical and laboratory parameters in patients with Fournier's gangrene [FG] and to assess factors that determine mortality. A retrospective review of 82 patients with FG from January 2007 to December 2011 was made. They were divided into two groups: those who survived [survivors] and those who did not [non survivors]. We analyzed clinical and laboratory data. The mortality rate remained 36.6% [30/82 patients]. Increased heart and respiratory rates, elevated serum creatinine, pre-existing kidney disease, and higher extent of affected body surface were associated with higher mortality. Severe sepsis on admission and hypotension < 90 mm Hg] were also predictive for higher mortality. The median FG severity index [FGSI] score was higher in non survivors [22 vs 12, p < 0.0001]. Besides standard clinical and laboratory parameters included in the FGSI calculation, higher extent of affected body surface area and presence of hypotension on admission were positively associated with mortality. Early clinical identification and prompt aggressive treatment are essential for reducing mortality and morbidity in patients

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.

Fascitis necrosante palpebral y shock tóxico por Streptococcus pyogenes / Necrotizing fasciitis of the eyelids and toxic shock syndrome due to Streptococcus pyogenes

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a serious infection that compromises subcutaneous tissue, fascia, and adipose tissue, with high mortality rate and sequelae. Extremities, trunk and pelvis are the most common body sites affected. Periorbital celullitis with necrotizing fasciitis of the eyelid is rare. We report the case of a three years old child with bilateral NF of the eyelids and toxic shock syndrome secondary to Streptococcus pyogenes infection ocurring after a minor skin trauma. Early recognition leading to intensive care treatment and prompt surgical debridement were critical in the favourable outcome of the child.

La fascitis necrosante (FN) es una infección grave de los tejidos subcutáneos, localizada más frecuentemente en extremidades, tronco y pelvis. El compromiso de la cara y la región palpebral es inusual. Reportamos el curso clínico de un niño de tres años, previamente sano, que presentó una FN palpebral bilateral asociado a shock tóxico por Streptococcus pyogenes, secundaria a un trauma localizado. El paciente requirió tratamiento en cuidado intensivo con resucitación enérgica, antimicrobianos, inmunoglobulina intravenosa y desbridamiento quirúrgico precoz, lo que permitió su evolución favorable.

Sistema de aspiración-tracción en el tratamiento de la fasciitis necrotizante del periné / Negative pressure wound therapy for the treatment of perineal necrotizing fasciitis

Introducción: Se discuten 5 pacientes tratados en nuestra institución. Además del aseo quirúrgico con desbridamiento inicial y terapia antibiótica, utilizamos el sistema de aspiración-tracción (SAT) como parte de su tratamiento. Pacientes y métodos: El SAT fue manufacturado artesanalmente con material disponible en el hospital. Después de que el diagnóstico de fasciitis necrotizante del periné fue establecido, todos los pacientes fueron sometidos a aseo quirúrgico y desbridamiento del tejido necrótico. La herida fue cubierta con el SAT quedando a presión negativa bajo aspiración central. Tiempo después, cuando la herida se encontraba limpia y no se requerían de otros aseos quirúrgicos o curaciones bajo anestesia en pabellón, los pacientes fueron sometidos a curaciones locales. En el momento que se logró buen tejido de granulación, se dejó de utilizar el SAT y se continuó con curaciones planas. Cuando la herida empezó a contraerse, aproximamos los bordes con puntos separados de Nylon y dejamos que cerrara por segunda intención. Conclusión: El uso del SAT constituye otra opción válida para el manejo de la herida que deja el aseo quirúrgico y desbridamiento de la gangrena perineal, además provee un mejor manejo de la herida con mayor comodidad para el paciente.

lntroduction: We discuss five patients treated at our institution. Besides the initial surgical debridement and antibiotic therapy, we used the negative-pressure wound therapy (NPVVT) as part of their treatment. Patients and methods: The NPVVT device was constructed with off-the-shelf components. After the diagnosis of perineal necrotizing fasciitis was established, all patients underwent surgical debridement of necrotic tissue. The wound was closed with the NPVVT system and left under negative-pressure central aspiration. After the wound was clean and no more surgical debridements were necessary, patients underwent local treatment. When they achieved granulation tissue, simple dressings were used. When the wound was contracting, we approximated the edges with an interrupted suture of Nylon, and allowed to heal by second intention. Conclusion: The use of NPWT stands as another valid option to manage the wound left after surgical debridement of the perineal gangrene and provides better and more comfortable management of the wound.

Mortality in necrotizing fasciitis

The objective of this study was to determine the mortality rate in patients presenting with Necrotizing Fasciitis. This prospective study was conducted at ward 26, JPMC Karachi over a period of two years from March 2001 to Feb 2003. All patients above the age of 12 years diagnosed to be having Necrotizing Fasciitis and admitted through the Accident and emergency department were included in this study. After resuscitation, the patients underwent the emergency exploration and aggressive surgical debridement. Post-operatively, the patients were managed in isolated section of the ward. The patients requiring grafting were referred to plastic surgery unit. The patients were followed up in outpatients department for about two years. Over all, 25 male and 5 female patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in this study. The common clinical manifestations include redness, swelling, discharging abscess, pain, fever, skin necrosis and foul smelling discharge etc. The most common predisposing factor was Diabetes mellitus whereas the most commonly involved site was perineum. All patients underwent aggressive and extensive surgical debridements. The common additional procedures included Skin grafting, Secondary suturing, Cystostomy and Orchidectomy. Bacteroides and E. coli were the main micro-organisms isolated in this study. Bacteroides was the most common microorganism isolated among the eight patients who died. Necrotizing Fasciitis is a potentially life threatening emergency condition and carries the mortality rate of about 26.6%. The major contributing factors to increase the mortality missed initially diagnosed, old age, diabetes mellitus truncal involvement and late presentation. Anorectal involvement of disease carry worse prognosis. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy and proper use of unprocessed honey reduced the mortality rate

Necrotizing fasciitis caused by aeromonas sobria: a case report

Aeromonas sobria is facultative, oxidase-positive, anaerobic, flagellated gram-negative bacilli. Found commonly in sewage, soil, and blackish or fresh water. Commonly causing various diseases in immunocompromised patient, but in healthy patients causing diarrhea and soft tissue infections. We are reporting a case of incomplete septic abortion and necrotizing fasciitis caused by Aeromonas sobria, which was successfully diagnosed early and managed by aggressive surgical and medical managements

Necrotizing fasciitis: study of 20 cases in Shifa hospital

Necrotizing Fasciitis [NF], although uncommon soft tissue infection but it is a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge to the surgeons due to their higher associated morbidity and mortality. This aggressive infection caused by aerobic and anaerobic infections mainly affects the subcutaneous fat and fascia, and later on the overlying skin, while the underlying muscles are almost always spared. Our objective is to put a plan for optimal care of such patients. The current study reviews our experience with 20 patients of NF admitted and treated at Surgery Department in Shifa Hospital in Gaza during the period from February 1995 to February 2003. They were 12 males and 8 females with a mean of age 53.5 years. After establishment of the diagnosis of NF by clinical examination and intra-operative findings, all the necrotic tissues were debrided under general anesthesia followed by minor debridement as frequent as needed under analgesia, while reconstructive procedures e.g. skin grafting and secondary suturing performed according to the condition. The mean time between the beginning of the disease and the operation was 4.4 days.Among the 20 patients with NF, 13 patients [65%] had diabetes mellitus [D.M.]; the mortality rate between the diabetics was 61.5%. The perineum was the most frequent site for primary infection, eight cases [40%] followed by the valvar region, four cases [20%]. Seven patients died out of the twenty giving a mortality rate of 35% in this study. In Recognition of the need for early diagnosis and surgical treatment of this rapidly progressive surgical infection [NF] is necessary for successful management, especially for patients with perianal or valvar infections

Fascitis necrotizante en recien nacidos / Necrotizing fascitis in newborns

La fascitis Necrotizante (FN) es una emergencia quirúrgica, resultado de la infección de los tejidos subcutáneos y de la fascia superficial, por una gran variedad de bacterias. En esta etapa neonatal, esta afección puede alcanzar una mortalidad mayor al 70 por ciento. El éxito del tratamiento requiere un preciso diagnóstico y precoz y agresivo desbridamiento de los tejidos afectados, la cobertura por vía parenteral de antibióticos de amplio espectro y un soporte adecuado en cuidados intensivos. Reportamos un caso de FN en recién nacidos de sexo masculino, en quien la enfermedad se desencadenó probablemente luego de una onfalitis. Este reporte ilustra la naturaleza devastadora de este tipo de infección, sin embargo, con tratamiento agresivo y precoz es posible lograr resultados satisfactorios.

Fascitis necrotizante de cuello / Necrotic fascitis of the neck

Se presenta dos casos de fascitis necrotizante de cuello. Ambos pacientes corresponden a jóvenes sanos, sin factores de inmunosupresión ni trauma reciente, que desarrollan el cuadro clínico a partir de un foco amigdalino. El primer caso evoluciona con una mediastinitis necrotizante descendente y falla orgánica múltiple secundaria a sepsis, lo que le ocasiona la muerte. El segundo caso presenta una evolución satisfactoria, siendo dado de alta en buenas condiciones generales y sin secuelas funcionales. Al analizar los casos y la literatura se observa que uno de los factores más importantes en el pronóstico del cuadro, es la sospecha clínica y la derivación oportuna. Esto permite una rápida confirmación diagnóstica con la tomografía computarizada (TC) de cuello y el inicio precoz del tratamiento. Se concluye que, debido a la escasez de signos clínicos iniciales de la fascitis necrotizante, ésta debe ser siempre sospechada ante cualquier infección cervical, especialmente cuando el compromiso sistemático es desproporcionado a las manifestaciones locales. Además, es imprescindible la TC de cuello y tórax para el adecuado diagnóstico y determinar las posibles complicaciones. El tratamiento incluye cirugía agresiva, antibioticoterapia y el apoyo sistémico en Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos.

Odontogenic cervical necrotizing fasciitis

Two cases of cervical necrotizing fasciitis, secondary to dental infection, are presented. It is a potentially life-threatening severe mixed infection with rapidly progressive inflammation and necrosis of the fascia, muscle and fat. Laboratory and CT features are described. CT scan was also useful for progress monitoring during the treatment. Both cases were complicated by mediastinitis with pleural effusions. A successful non-fatal outcome was achieved following multiple surgical interventions, aggressive culture based antimicrobial therapy, multi-specialty approach and intensive supportive care of the patients

Enfermedad invasiva por estreptococo beta hemolítico del grupo A / Invasive group A streptococcal infections

El estreptococo beta hemolítico del grupo A ha presentado un cambio en su agresividad en estos últimos años,generando infecciones más severas.Se relatan tres pacientes internados entre octubre de 1997 y enero de 1998 en una UCIP polivalente en San Miguel de Tucuman.Un niño con fascitis necrotizante y compromisohemodinámico,otro con shock séptico y fallo mmultiorgánico y un lactante de 10 meses que ingresó en paro cardiorespiratorio por shock séptico.Se discuten las causas de este cambio en la agresividad,los signos de alarma,los criterios diagnósticos y terapéuticos actuales

Fascitis necrotizante / necrotizante Fascitis

Dentro de las infecciones necrotizantes de tejidos blandos, la fascitis necrotizante sigue siendo un desafío para los cirujanos por lo cual se realizó la siguiente revisión bibliográfica en la que se detalla la etiología, fisiopatología, histopatología, cuadro clínico, exámenes de laboratorio, diagnóstico diferencial y tratamiento temprano, que permitirán diagnosticar oportunamente y manejar de mejor manera ésta patología.