Necrotizing Skin and Soft Tissue Infection after Gluteal Augmentation in a Perioperatively Asymptomatic COVID-19 Patient-Complications of the Post-Lockdown Era? A Case Report.

Introduction: Aesthetic surgery procedures are generally done in a relatively healthy population and carry a rather low risk compared to other surgical specialties. The incidence of complications in aesthetic surgery varies greatly depending on the type, wound cleanliness regarding the anatomical site, complexity of the surgery, patient's age, and comorbidities but is generally considered low. The overall incidence of surgical site infections (SSIs) in all aesthetic surgical procedures is around 1% in most of the literature while cases of necrotizing soft tissue infections are mostly found as individual reports. In contrast, treating COVID-19 patients is still challenging with many diverse outcomes. Surgical stress and general anesthesia are known mediators of cellular immunity impairment while studies regarding COVID-19 infection unquestionably have shown the deterioration of adaptive immunity by SARS-CoV-2. Adding COVID-19 to the modern surgical equation raises the question of immunocompetence in surgical patients. The main question of the modern post-lockdown world is: what could be expected in the postoperative period of perioperatively asymptomatic COVID-19 patients after aesthetic surgery? Case report: Here, we present a purulent, complicated, necrotizing skin and soft tissue infection (NSTI) after gluteal augmentation most likely triggered by SARS-CoV-2-induced immunosuppression followed by progressive COVID-19 pneumonia in an otherwise healthy, young patient. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of such adverse events in aesthetic surgery related to COVID-19. Conclusion: Aesthetic surgery in patients during the incubation period of COVID-19 or in asymptomatic patients could pose a significant risk for surgical complications, including severe systemic infections and implant loss as well as severe pulmonary and other COVID-19-associated complications.

Necrotizing Fasciitis in COVID-19 Patient: A Case Report of Atypical Early Presentation.

A 48-year-old male, known to have hypertension (HTN), ischemic heart disease (IHD) post-percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) before one year, and morbid obesity (BMI: 60), presented to the emergency department complaining of right thigh pain and swelling that started two days before. The swelling got increasingly worsen over the previous days, associated with dyspnea, for which he sought medical attention in another hospital. He was found to have a picture of sepsis where they offered him irrigation and debridement (I&D) but he refused and presented to our institution in a hemodynamically unstable condition. The patient underwent immediate surgery with subsequent intensive care unit (ICU) admission as a case of necrotizing fasciitis complicated by sepsis. Later he was found to have coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection.

A case report of necrotizing fasciitis caused by Haemophilus influenzae co-infection in the setting of COVID-19 pneumonia.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Necrotizing fasciitis is an aggressive skin and soft tissue infection that is a surgical emergency, and Haemophilus influenzae (H. flu) is a rare cause. We present a case of H. flu co-infection causing necrotizing fasciitis in the setting of COVID-19 pneumonia. CASE PRESENTATION: A 56-year-old male presented with 2 weeks of upper respiratory symptoms. He was unvaccinated against COVID-19 and tested positive for COVID-19 five days prior. He developed respiratory failure requiring intubation, and was treated with dexamethasone, remdesivir, and tocilizumab for COVID-19 pneumonia. On hospital day 2, he was hypotensive with new rapidly evolving erythematous lesions with crepitus of his lower extremities suspicious for necrotizing fasciitis. He underwent wide excision and debridement with significant hemodynamic improvements. H. flu co-infection was identified from blood cultures. Aberrant cells with 94 % lymphocytes were noted and suggested chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) that was not previously known. He developed progressive lesions globally, concerning for purpura fulminans with clinical disseminated intravascular coagulation and neurological decline ultimately leading to withdrawal of care. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: COVID-19 infection is often associated with concomitant opportunistic infections. Our patient was also immunocompromised by CLL, diabetes, chronic steroids, and initial appropriate COVID-19 treatments. Despite appropriate treatments, he could not overcome his medical comorbidities and multiple infections. CONCLUSION: Necrotizing fasciitis caused by H. flu is rare, and we present the first case as a co-infection in the setting of COVID-19 pneumonia. Due to the patient's immunocompromised state with underlying CLL, this proved to be fatal.

Actinomyces europaeus as an emerging cause of necrotizing fasciitis.

Necrotizing fasciitis is a type of necrotizing soft tissue infection (NSTI) that can be polymicrobial or monomicrobial in origin. Polymicrobial infections typically involve anaerobes of the Clostridium or Bacteroides family. This case report highlights necrotizing fasciitis caused by an unusual culprit, Actinomyces europaeus, which is a gram-positive anaerobic filamentous bacillus that has only been documented in one prior report to cause NSTI. Currently, about half of the hospitals in the United States are equipped to perform antibiotic susceptibility testing for anaerobes, but less than one-quarter of hospitals actually utilize these tests routinely. Thus, it is common for polymicrobial actinomycoses to be blindly treated with antibiotics that are beta-lactamase resistant and active against anaerobes, such as with piperacillin-tazobactam. Here we examine the potential impact of this lack of testing, as well as the evolution of A. europaeus to cause necrotizing fasciitis.

Upper extremity necrotizing fasciitis in a Covid-19 patient.

The novel COVID-19 virus has resulted in an immense burden in healthcare throughout the world. In addition to respiratory complications, COVID-19 has been associated with hypercoagulability and ischemic changes. We report a case of a patient with COVID-19 who presented with a rapidly progressing necrotizing fasciitis treated in our institution.

Catastrophic Antiphospholipid Crisis Triggered by Anticoagulant Switch

Case report - Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic led to drastic changes for some patients on warfarin for venous thromboembolic (VTE) disease and atrial fibrillation. Warfarin monitoring necessitates frequent interaction with healthcare workers, which is sufficiently risky for COVID-19 transmission. As a result, selected patients were swapped over to novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs). Our patient was changed without investigating for antiphospholipid syndrome (APLS);it later transpired he was triple antibody positive. He presented in a crisis and we describe his narrative. Patients on warfarin due to presumed unprovoked venous thromboembolic disease should not be swapped to NOACs without completing, or checking, previous antiphospholipid antibody testing. Case report - Case description: A 73-year-old gentleman presented locally in August 2020 with erythema over the anterolateral surface of his left leg. He was initially treated with antibiotics for presumed cellulitis. Within a few days this lesion became necrotic and rapidly spread. At this point, he was transferred to a tertiary rheumatology centre. Within days to weeks, he developed several necrotic lesions affecting his trunk and limbs, with facial sparing noted. Approximately 30-35% of his whole-body surface became involved. He soon developed an oxygen requirement, with CTPA demonstrating lymphocytic interstitial pneumonitis without evidence of pulmonary emboli (PE). Throughout his admission, he had several other pathologies such as hyponatraemia that required level 2 care and severe noninfectious diarrhoea. Skin biopsy identified thrombotic vasculopathy. Serology confirmed triple positive antiphospholipid antibody status and a dsDNA titre of>400 iU/mL. This was the first-time serology had been undertaken despite a history of three deep vein thrombosis (DVT) episodes and two PE incidents. He had no history of SLE symptoms. His initial management for vasculitis secondary to APLS at the point of limited necrosis consisted of IV methylprednisolone followed by rituximab and PO prednisolone. While there was some delay in the progression of his disease, new areas of necrosis arose, leading to the patient receiving cyclophosphamide. Low molecular weight heparin was used for anticoagulation. This gentleman later developed proteinuria and neurological symptoms, fulfilling the criteria for catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome. He received plasma exchange, without an improvement. He developed complications from his disease and treatment, including poor wound healing. It became apparent his condition would not improve and active treatments were stopped. He passed away 6 weeks after initial presentation. Prior to his admission to hospital, his warfarin was swapped to a NOAC. This is thought to have been the trigger behind catastrophic thrombosis. Case report - Discussion: After excluding other conditions such as necrotising fasciitis, this gentleman was rapidly started on IV methylprednisolone to halt any further progression. This is because glucocorticoids have the greatest evidence base for managing this poorly understood acute disease manifestation. After this failed to manage his condition, he was given a further immunosuppressive agent in the form of rituximab. This was used after his serology confirmed triple antibody status. It was hoped this would stop any further immunological mediated disease progression. Oral prednisolone was started at 40mg at this stage and kept under review with a tapering schedule. Cyclophosphamide was given within a few days of rituximab, with hope of a quicker onset of action. A careful MDT decision was made on these drug choices, particularly regarding their combined use and appreciating their side effect profiles. Cyclophosphamide has evidence behind its use, especially for those with APLS associated with lupus. While he did not develop any infections related to treatment, his condition progressed. Case reports suggest that plasma exchange can be useful in the management of catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome, so the team recommen ed this. Consent at this stage became tricky due to his altered mental status, but it was felt he did demonstrate capacity for this specific decision. As his condition did not improve after this level of immunosuppression, the team reached the decision that no other treatments would likely change the outcome. He remained on oral steroids for the remainder of his admission. The other management facet of APLS crises pertains to anticoagulation. Low molecular weight heparin was recommended by the haematologists. His NOAC was stopped after the diagnosis was confirmed. Warfarin was restarted later in his admission given he had been well on this for years. Case report - Key learning points: This fascinating case exemplifies the importance of completing an antiphospholipid antibody screen for patients who present with unprovoked venous thromboembolic disease. NOACs are commonly used anticoagulant medications. Several case reports have demonstrated that patients with antiphospholipid syndrome experience breakthrough thromboembolic events when treated with NOACs. The highest risk is associated with history of arterial thrombosis and those with triple positive antibody status. Three clinical trials have either been completed or are in the process of investigating whether NOACs sufficiently prevent thromboembolic disease in these patients. The TRAPS study compared rivaroxaban to warfarin in those with triple antibody positive antiphospholipid syndrome. The study was terminated early given that higher adverse events were observed in the rivaroxaban arm (19%, n11/59) versus warfarinised patients (3%, n2/61). The RAPS study found no difference in thromboembolic risk and results from the ASTRO-APS study looking into apixaban are awaited. There is insufficient evidence to suggest that NOACs prevent VTE in a similar fashion to warfarin, so many still advocate the use of warfarin. The optimal immune management of this acute complication is not well elucidated, with a shortfall in mechanistic pathological understanding. The conference will generate discussion on this subject matter in detail. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been observed for patients to change anticoagulation from warfarin to NOACs. Given NOACs do not require monitoring, this medication change reduces the number of interactions patients have with healthcare services. We postulate this change triggered the crisis in our patient, where we suggest continuation of warfarin would have been ideal. This is due to the history of several unprovoked thromboembolic events without a prior antiphospholipid screen being completed. Dissemination of learning points from this case are imperative to ensure decision-making encompasses patients who may have undiagnosed antiphospholipid syndrome.

Lower Limb Serratia marcescens Necrotizing Fasciitis Complicated by Nosocomial COVID-19.

Serratia marcescens represents an unusual yet potentially deadly cause of lower limb necrotizing fasciitis (NF). Compounding the already high mortality of NF, S. marcescens infections are usually associated with worse outcomes (i.e., amputation). Here we present the case of a 56-year-old immunocompromised man due to lupus nephritis who developed lower limb NF secondary to S. marcescens followed by nosocomial coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonitis. Successful limb salvage was achieved through a multidisciplinary team approach from various specialties including plastic surgery, orthopedic surgery, anesthesiology, intensive care, respiratory medicine, and nephrology. At 11 months' follow-up, the patient was largely independent with activities of daily living and was able to ambulate. Unfortunately, he suffered a myocardial infarction at 19 months post-operatively and passed away. A review of the literature revealed only a handful of cases of lower limb NF due to S. marcescens and none with subsequent COVID-19. Therefore, this is the first report of such a case which should help with the clinical management of such cases going forward, especially with COVID-19 now becoming endemic in our communities and contributing to delayed presentations and increased mortality in NF.

Major Amputation Needed to Treat Purulent Tenosynovitis and Necrotizing Fasciitis in a Patient with a Human Bite and Severe COVID-19.

Background: Peripheral human bite wounds are rarely serious and are typically treated medically, with the most complex cases requiring only minor amputation or excision of the infected site. There are few to no reports documenting the development of purulent tenosynovitis, necrotizing fasciitis, and osteomyelitis from these lesions. Major amputations are required only rarely in these cases. Case Presentation: A 71-year-old woman presented with an uncontrolled infection following a self-inflicted bite wound to her left middle finger. A bacterial culture of the lesion revealed methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The infection could not be controlled with antibiotics or additional interventions, including debridement and minor amputation. She contracted severe COVID-19 while in the hospital which limited the available treatment options. In an attempt to control the infection, the patient ultimately underwent a major amputation of the distal left forearm. While recovering from the procedure, the patient succumbed to septic shock and cardiopulmonary arrest. Conclusion: The unusual progression of this case may be attributed to the interventions required to treat acute COVID-19 as well as a variety of confounding factors. For example, vasopressors and steroids used to treat severely-ill patients compromise the local and systemic physiologic responses to acute bacterial infection. It is important to reconsider clinical expectations during the pandemic and intervene as early as possible to prevent ongoing damage and clinical deterioration.

Extensive monomicrobial necrotizing fasciitis and myonecrosis of left hemi trunk in a healthy 41-year-old man with COVID-19 infection.

Necrotizing fasciitis and myonecrosis caused by Escherichia coli is an extremely uncommon infection with a high mortality. We present a case of 41-year-old man with no history of underlying disease one week after covid-19 infection, who was admitted with symptoms of Fournier's gangrene and then E. coli-induced monomicrobial necrotizing fasciitis.

Abdominal Wall Fungal Co-infection-Mucormycosis Associated with COVID-19: A Case Report

Aim and objective: To present a rare case of abdominal wall fungal coinfection with Mucormycosis in a patient of COVID-19. Materials and methods: A 33-year-old female operated case of laparoscopic ectopic pregnancy removal with salpingectomy and tubectomy, at postoperative day 5 had redness and pus discharge from the operative site and was diagnosed with abdominal wall cellulitis. She underwent local exploration and wound wash. On postoperative day 21, the patient came to the emergency room with cellulitis, and pain at the port insertion site. On examination, we highlight BP 90/50 mm Hg and blood test analysis with HB-8.3, leucocyte count 29.91 × 109/L, CRP 333 mg/L. Results: CT scan revealed necrotizing fasciitis. She underwent wide local excision and debridement. Post debridement the next day during dressing, the wound showed a cotton fluffy appearance at the edges and part of the base with black necrotic areas. A wound swab was sent for fungal culture, KOH mount, pus culture, and tissue for histopathology. In the meantime, she was started on empirical antifungal amphotericin B, meropenem, and minocycline antibiotics. On history, the patient remarked that she did have fever, sore throat, and cough for 5 days, 4 weeks before laparoscopic ectopic pregnancy removal. Also one of her family members had tested positive for COVID-19. COVID antibodies test was done which were reactive: 1.96. Tissue histopathology revealed mucormycosis. MRI abdomen findings showed a 15 cm large defect involving the entire thickness of subcutaneous fat. A high degree of suspicion and promptness in starting antifungal treatment prevented the fatal outcome. Conclusion: COVID-19 is associated with immune dysregulation and consequently life-threatening infections. The prolonged and indiscriminate use of steroids for the treatment of COVID-19 could contribute to this problem of fungal superinfection of mucormycosis. It seems prudent to have a very high suspicion supplemented with thorough clinical examination and low threshold for imaging in order to diagnose secondary fungal infections, such as mucormycosis. Early so that the treatment can be instituted as soon as possible.

GETTING TO THE HEART OF THE MATTER

CASE: 45-year-old woman with PMHx systemic sclerosis presents with fever, weight loss, chest tightness, weakness and altered mental status for 2 weeks. Home meds are prednisone, mycophenolic acid, lasix. On presentation she is febrile to 38.9C, HR 110, BP 97/64, SpO2 96% on RA. Exam shows telangiectasis, normal cardiopulmonary exam, mild sclerodactyly. Oriented only to self, has bilateral LE 3/5 weakness. Labs with WBC 2.6K, Hgb 7.1, plts 126K. Cr normal. Liver enzymes mildly elevated. BNP 3900. Trop 251. Lactate 4.9 Blood cultures negative, CMV/EBV negative, COVID-19 negative, Ferritin > 15,000, Triglycerides 274 LDH 495, Fibrinogen 274, D-Dimer 755, ANA 1:1280, + dsDNA, low titer Smith, + RNP, + SSA, + RNA Pol III. TTE with EF 27% and diffuse hypokinesis. Cardiac MRI with myocardial fibrosis no active myocarditis, suggestive of scleroderma. Lumbar puncture with high protein, borderline increased oligoclonal bands, elevated IgG index but elevated synthesis rate, suggestive of CNS inflammation. Patient is in cardiogenic shock secondary to hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis/macrophage activating syndrome (HLH/MAS) related to systemic sclerosis/scleroderma with SLE overlap requiring inotropes and aggressive diuresis. She develops severe pain and bright red purpura on bilateral legs. Hypercoagulable w/u showed low protein C/S, low complement, negative cryoglobulin. Skin biopsy showed vaso-occlusive process c/w HLH/MAS. Receives IV methylprednisolone for empiric treatment of HLH/MAS and IV cyclophosphamide for possible lupus cerebritis. Patient improves and is discharged on long-term milrinone, Plaquenil, and steroids. IMPACT/DISCUSSION: Secondary HLH or MAS is a life-threatening condition of extreme inflammation that can occur in autoimmune conditions, infection, or malignancy Diagnosing HLH requires high clinical suspicion - >10K ferritin level is highly sensitive and specific for diagnosis of HLH This patient has multisystem involvement of autoimmune disease given history of scleroderma The LP studies raise concern for lupus cerebritis, specifically the IgG index and IgG synthesis rate are helpful for this diagnosis Underline subtype of systemic sclerosis-overlap syndromes and here particularly scleroderma lupus overlap Highlight the utility of cardiac MRI in characterizing myocarditis / fibrosis Discuss need for high alert for necrotizing fasciitis with painful palpable purpura Overview treatment of HLH/MAS with high dose steroids Reflection on high mortality of HLH/MAS and question of recovered heart function CONCLUSION: Teaching Point 1: Secondary HLH is a syndrome of extreme inflammation caused by underlying malignancy, autoimmune condition, or infection. Teaching Point 2: HLH and MAS have a great deal of symptom/clinical presentation overlap. Ferritin level > 10,000 is highly sensitive and specific for diagnosis of HLH Teaching Point 3: Systemic sclerosis can present in a variety of ways including cardiac, lung, skin involvement.

SIGNIFICANT CK ELEVATION IN HEAT-EXPOSURE ADULT RHABDOMYOLYSIS WITH CONCURRENT ASYMPTOMATIC SARS-COV2 INFECTION

CASE: A 59 years old male with past medical history of type 2 diabetes presented in August of 2020 after 2 weeks of leg cramps, nausea, and dark urine that followed several weeks of poor fluid intake during his job as a construction worker. Patient reported that he had a similar episode in 2011, and was diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis with a CK value of 3442. Physical examination revealed a blood pressure of 138/79 mmHg, a pulse of 99 beats/min, respiratory rate of 16 breaths/min, temperature of 36.9 °C, and oxygen saturation of 96% on room air. He was alert and oriented, able to ambulate with pain, and no other significant cardiovascular, pulmonary, neurologic, and gastrointestinal findings. Notable elevation of plasma creatinine of 10.23 mg/dL, BUN of 90mg/dL, sodium of 123 mmol/L, potassium of 5.4 mmol/L, bicarbonate of 15 mmol/L, CRP of 115.4, D-dimer of 4305, Ferritin of 7927, Serum myoglobin of 5320 mcg/L, and total CK of 365148 U/L were noted. Nasopharyngeal swab at presentation was positive for Sars-CoV-2. Patient's urine drug/toxicology screen were negative. The patient was placed on intermittent hemodialysis, and IV fluids were administered. Given his unusually high CK level and COVID-19 positive status, viral myositis associated with COVID-19 was initially suspected. Muscle biopsy showed necrotizing myositis, and ANA titer and myositis specific antibodies were negative. Patient's sole complaint continued to be bilateral lower extremity spasm that gradually improved. The patient was discharged 13 days later with improving kidney functions and total CK of 1683. Patient did not follow up until January of 2021 when he presented to our emergency department for a gunshot wound. His kidney function was back to his baseline at the time. IMPACT/DISCUSSION: Multiple reports in the past 2 years have noted some relationship between rhabdomyolysis and SARS-CoV2 infection, including cases of rhabdomyolysis as a presenting and late complication of severe and mild COVID-19 pneumonia (Valente-Acosta et al, Min et al, and Suwanwongse et a). This case shows both an non- respiratory COVID-19 patient presenting with rhabdomyolysis as well as extremely high presenting CK of 365148 in a non-exercise associated adult rhabdomyolysis. While there are studies that suggests SARS-CoV2 can cause a direct viral injury on muscles, patient's muscle biopsy showing necrotizing myositis rather than direct viral injury suggests that this is not the likely mechanism that aggravated the disease. Rather, given that patient had significantly elevated d-dimer, ferritin, and CRP at presentation, the mechanism may be due to the significant inflammatory responses seen in COVID-19 patients. CONCLUSION: COVID-19 infection, regardless of severity, can significantly exacerbate rhabdomyolysis. Proper inpatient management in such cases can lead to no lasting musculoskeletal or renal complications despite severity. The relationship between COVID-19 infection and severe rhabdomyolysis may be based on the inflammatory responses.

Management of Fournier's gangrene during the Covid-19 pandemic era: make a virtue out of necessity.

BACKGROUND: Fournier's gangrene (FG) is a necrotizing fasciitis caused by aerobic and anaerobic bacterial infection that involves genitalia and perineum. Males, in their 60 s, are more affected with 1.6 new cases/100.000/year. Main risk factors are diabetes, malignancy, inflammatory bowel disease. FG is a potentially lethal disease with a rapid and progressive involvement of subcutaneous and fascial plane. A multimodal approach with surgical debridement, antibiotic therapy, intensive support care, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is often needed. We present the inpatient management of an FG case during the Covid-19 pandemic period. A narrative review of the Literature searching "Fournier's gangrene", "necrotizing fasciitis" on PubMed and Scopus was performed. CASE PRESENTATION: A 60 years old man affected by diabetes mellitus, with ileostomy after colectomy for ulcerative colitis, was admitted to our Emergency Department with fever and acute pain, edema, dyschromia of right hemiscrotum, penis, and perineal region. Computed tomography revealed air-gas content and fluid-edematous thickening of these regions. Fournier's Gangrene Severity Index was 9. A prompt broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy with Piperacillin/Tazobactam, Imipenem and Daptomycin, surgical debridement of genitalia and perineal region with vital tissue exposure, were performed. Bedside daily surgical wound medications with fibrine debridement, normal saline and povidone-iodine solutions irrigation, iodoform and fatty gauze application, were performed until discharge on the 40th postoperative day. Every 3 days office-based medication with silver dressing, after normal saline and povidone-iodine irrigation and fibrinous tissue debridement, was performed until complete re-epithelialization of the scrotum on the 60th postoperative day. CONCLUSIONS: FG is burdened by a high mortality rate, up to 30%. In the literature, HBOT could improve wound restoration and disease-specific survival. Unfortunately, in our center, we do not have HBOT. Moreover, one of the pandemic period problems was the patient's displacement and outpatient hospital management. For all these reasons we decided for a conservative inpatient management. Daily cleaning of the surgical wound allowed to obtain its complete restoration avoiding surgical graft and hyperbaric oxygen chamber therapy, without foregoing optimal outcomes.

RéSUMé: CONTEXTE: La gangrène de Fournier (GF) est une fasciite nécrosante causée par une infection bactérienne aérobie et anaérobie qui implique les organes génitaux et le périnée. Les hommes, dans la soixantaine, sont plus touchés avec 1,6 nouveau cas/100 000/an. Les principaux facteurs de risque sont le diabète, les tumeurs malignes, et les maladies inflammatoires de l'intestin. La GF est une maladie potentiellement mortelle avec une atteinte rapide et progressive du plan sous-cutané et fascial. Une approche multimodale, avec débridement chirurgical, antibiothérapie, soins de soutien intensif et oxygénothérapie hyperbare (OHB), est souvent nécessaire. Nous présentons la prise en charge en milieu hospitalier d'un cas de GF pendant la période de pandémie de Covid-19. Une revue narrative de la littérature, recherchant «gangrène de Fournier¼, «fasciite nécrosante¼ sur PubMed et Scopus, a été réalisée. CAS CLINQUE: Un homme de 60 ans, atteint d'un diabète sucré et porteur d'une iléostomie après colectomie pour colite ulcéreuse, a été admis dans notre service d'urgences, avec fièvre et des douleurs aiguës, œdème et dyschromie de l'hémiscrotum droit, du pénis et de la région périnéale. La tomodensitométrie a révélé une teneur en air-gaz et un épaississement fluide-œdémateux de ces régions. L'indice de gravité de la gangrène de Fournier était de 9. Une antibiothérapie rapide à large spectre avec Pipéracilline/tazobactam, imipénème et daptomycine, et un débridement chirurgical des organes génitaux et de la région périnéale avec exposition des tissus vitaux, ont été effectués. Ont été réalisés au chevet du patient, un traitement quotidien des plaies chirurgicales, avec débridement de la fibrine, irrigation par solution saline normale et solution de povidone-iode, et application de gaze iodoforme et grasse, jusqu'à la décharge au 40èmejour postopératoire. Tous les 3 jours, un traitement à base de médicaments d'officine avec pansement à l'argent a été réalisé après irrigation par solution saline normale et solution de povidone-iode, et débridement de la fibrine des tissus, jusqu'à la ré-épithélialisation complète du scrotum au 60ème jour postopératoire. CONCLUSIONS: La GF est grevée d'un taux de mortalité élevé, jusqu'à 30%. Dans la littérature, l'OHB pourrait améliorer la restauration des plaies et la survie spécifique de la maladie. Malheureusement, dans notre centre, nous n'avons pas d'OHB. En outre, l'un des problèmes de la période pandémique était le déplacement du patient et la prise en charge ambulatoire des hôpitaux. Pour toutes ces raisons, nous avons opté pour une prise en charge conservatrice en milieu hospitalier. Le nettoyage quotidien de la plaie chirurgicale a permis d'obtenir sa restauration complète en évitant la greffe chirurgicale et la thérapie en chambre à oxygène hyperbare, sans renoncer à des résultats optimaux. MOTS-CLéS: Gangrène de Fournier, fasciite nécrosante, urgence urologique, débridement chirurgical.

Rapidly Progressive Disseminated Aspergillosis in a Diabetic Patient

Invasive aspergillosis is a rapidly progressive, fatal infection that usually occurs in immunocompromised patients. The spectrum of clinical presentation ranges from non-invasive, invasive, destructive and allergic aspergillosis. It is rare to see overwhelming aspergillosis in an immunocompetent host. Nevertheless, certain risk factors such as underlying fibrotic lung disease, suppurative infection, long-term corticosteroid use and uncontrolled diabetes mellitus (DM) have been described. We hereby present a case of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in a patient with uncontrolled DM. A 60-year-old man with a history of heavy smoking (50- pack-year), poorly controlled DM presented to the hospital with a large area of erythema with eschar over his left posterior thigh. Clinical examination and CT abdomen pelvis confirmed necrotizing fasciitis involving his perineum and left thigh. Admission CT abdomen showed a small left lower lobe infiltrate (Day 1, Panel A). He underwent urgent debridement and intraoperative tissue cultures grew coagulase-negative staphylococcus, Proteus Vulgaris and anaerobic gram-positive rods. He received piperacillintazobactam, vancomycin, and clindamycin for 16 days which was subsequently narrowed to ceftriaxone and metronidazole. He had worsening leukocytosis but all his blood cultures have been negative. Tracheal aspirate gram stain on day 5 showed moderate yeast, and cultures grew Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus. CT scan of his chest showed bilateral reticulonodular opacities with a new loculated right pleural effusion (Day 16, Panel B). Trans-esophageal echocardiogram did not show any right-sided heart valve vegetation. He received intravenous voriconazole for disseminated aspergillosis. Despite of new prophylactic antifungal strategies, more sensitive and rapid diagnostic tests, as well as various efficacious treatments, survival of invasive disseminated aspergillosis remains poor. High clinical suspicion with a proactive investigation approach is the key to minimizing mortality. Various risk factors such as hematopoietic-cell transplantation, neutropenia, solid-organ transplantation, chemotherapy, prolonged ICU stay, structural lung disease, impaired mucociliary clearance after a recent pulmonary infection (including SARS-CoV-2) have been well described. Our case highlights the importance of recognizing uncontrolled DM as a crucial risk factor for disseminated aspergillosis. (Figure Presented).

Application of negative pressure sealing drainage technology combined with silver ion sterilization nursing solution in the nursing of necrotizing fasciitis

Objectives: To study the application effect of negative pressure sealing drainage technology combined with silver ion sterilization nursing solution in the nursing of necrotizing fasciitis. Methods: Medical records of patients with necrotizing fasciitis, treated in our hospital from June 2019 to June 2021, were selected. Patients were retrospectively assigned into two groups based on the debridement method used: debridement with silver ion sterilization nursing solution Group-I, or debridement with negative pressure sealing drainage technology combined with silver ion sterilization nursing solution. Group-II. Wound healing, dressing change times, healing time, treatment cost and patient satisfaction in both groups were statistically compared. Results: The wound healing rate of patients in Group-II group was higher than that of Group-I on the 5th, 10th and 15th day after operation (P < 0.05). Dressing change times, healing time and treatment cost of patients in the Group-II were lower than those of Group-I (P < 0.05). Patient satisfaction in the Group-II was 91.4% (54 / 59), which was higher than that of Group-I (75.4% (40 / 53) (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Negative pressure sealing drainage technology combined with silver ion sterilization nursing solution in the nursing of necrotizing fasciitis is effective. It can promote wound healing, shorten the healing time, reduce the times of wound dressing change and treatment cost. It also improves the overall patient satisfaction, making it an efficient method in clinical application.

Risk of infections with BCMA-directed immunotherapy in multiple myeloma

Introduction: B cell maturation antigen (BCMA) is a novel target for T cell immunotherapy in MM including bispecific antibody (bsAb) and chimeric antigen receptor therapy (CAR-T). BCMA is critical for survival of the long-lived plasma cell, responsible for generation of protective antibodies. Impaired immune reconstitution, cytopenias, B cell aplasia and hypogammaglobinemia can compound preexisting MM-induced immunosuppression. In the case of bsAb, potential redirection/activation of T regulatory cells can create an immunosuppressive milieu. Herein, we describe the clinically relevant infectious complications observed across different BCMA-directed therapies used across multiple clinical trials at our center. Methods: Infections confirmed by microbiologic or histopathologic evidence were captured from the D1 C1 of bsAb and D 1 of lymphodepleting chemotherapy of autologous BCMA CAR-T therapies. The NCI CTCAE v5 was used to describe the site and grade of infections. Hypogammaglobinemia and severe hypogammaglobinemia were defined as ≤700 mg/dl and ≤400 mg /dl, respectively. Standard antimicrobial prophylaxis included herpes zoster prophylaxis for all MM patients with antibacterial (levofloxacin) / antifungal (fluconazole) during periods of neutropenia and IVIG supplementation as per the treating physician's discretion. PCP prophylaxis was prescribed to CAR T recipient per institutional guidelines. Descriptive statistics and comparisons were performed using two-sample t-test for continuous variables and chi-square goodness of fit test for categorical variables. Results: We identified 62 patients who received BCMA-directed bsAb (n=36) or CAR-T (n=26) between 2019-2021(table 1). The median age was 66 (range 48-84) years with % females and 14.8% of patients belonging to Black race. The median time to bsAb and CAR-T use from diagnosis were 6.6 (range 0.83-15.5) and 2.6 (range 0.35-14.4) years, respectively. The median lines of prior therapy were 6 (range 1-11) with BCMA CAR-T recipients receiving fewer prior lines of therapy (4 vs 6, p=<0.001). The baseline lymphocyte count was higher in the CAR-T (14.71 vs 0.84;p=<0.001). Baseline severe hypogammaglobulinemia and lymphopenia were present in 30% and 26.7% of all patients, respectively. Tocilizumab was used in 40.9% (bsAb -30.8% versus CAR-T 55.6%) patients for CRS. IVIG was used in 25% of patients. The median study duration for bsAb was 4 (range 0.03- 24) months across multiple dose levels. Median follow up among CAR-T recipients was 3.9 (range 0.3 - 22.3) months. Among recipients of bsAb, 41.2% of patients experienced at least one episode of infection vs. 23.1% with CAR-T (p=0.141). The cumulative incidence of infection with bsAb and CAR-T were 22 and 8, respectively. The spectrum of infections with bsAb was predominantly bacterial (64.3% While gram negative infection (Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteremia, Proteus mirabilus and Psuedomonas aeroginosa urinary tract infections) were seen in 6 patients, skin infection including cellulitis occurred in 4 patients, with 1 case of necrotizing cellulitis. Bacteremia with rare opportunistic pathogens - Rhizobium radiobacter and recurrent Ochrobacterium anthropi were also observed . Viral infections included rhinovirus, cytomegalovirus, and parvovirus B19 reactivation, and COVID-19. About 50% of infections were ≥ grade 3 with 2 grade 5 events (Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteremia and COVID-19). In the CAR-T group, we observed more viral infections (66.7% vs 35.7%;p=0.028) and fewer bacterial infections (33.3% vs 64.3%;p=0.028) . Common viral infections included rhinovirus, RSV, and herpes simplex virus reactivation. In this group 25% of infections were ≥grade 3. Conclusion: BCMA-targeted therapies seem to be associated with clinically significant bacterial and viral infections. Repetitive dosing with bsAb therapies could be the reason for the propensity to serious bacterial infections compared to CAR-T recipients and may need novel prophylaxis strategies. (Figure Presented).

This Week in the Journal

The clinician must pay close attention to the patient history, aided by the development of molecular diagnostic tests, to distinguish infections from other causes. see Review Article, N Engl J Med 2022;386:463-477 Lisch Nodules A 40-year-old man with a history of neurofibromatosis type 1 presented for a routine eye examination. Six weeks before jaundice developed, he had been hospitalized with Covid-19. see Clinical Problem-Solving, N Engl J Med 2022;386:479-485 Using Economics to Inform Public Health Policy Although public health practitioners and researchers focus primarily on improving health, economists view health as but one important component of what people may value. [...]substantial neutralization of the omicron variant was detected in samples from participants who had received three doses. see Correspondence, N Engl J Med 2022;386:492-494 Preliminary Data on Vaccine Protection against Omicron Using a test-negative study design focused on the period of dominance of the B.1.1.529 (omicron) variant in South Africa, investigators found that two doses of the BNT162b2 vaccine had an efficacy of 50 to 70% against hospitalization caused by omicron in Gauteng province. see Correspondence, N Engl J Med 2022;386:494-496

Fournier’s Gangrene as a Possible Surgical Complication of COVÍD‑19: Two Case Reports and Literature Review

Fournier’s gangrene (FG) is a rare form of necrotizing fasciitis affecting the perineal, perianal, or genital areas. The infection is usually seen in diabetic, alcoholic, or immunosuppressed patients. Urgent debridement and broad‑spectrum antibiotics are the first‑line therapy, where in some cases soft tissue reconstruction is required. We report two patients who developed FG during COVID‑19 infection. None of the patients had a history of diabetes mellitus, alcoholism, or immune deficiency. The only reported health condition was COVID‑19 infection. Emergent debridement and elective reconstruction were performed for both of the patients. High index of suspicion is required during the examination of the perineum and the genitalia of suspected patients with COVID‑19 infection for early diagnosis and prevention of further complications. Larger studies are required to indicate the exact incidence of FG in patients with COVID 19 infection. [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Turkish Journal of Plastic Surgery is the property of Turkish Society of Plastic Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all s.)

A case report: Necrotising leukocytoclastic vasculitis (NLV) of the breast mimicking necrotising fasciitis (NF)

Leukocytoclastic vasculitis (LV) is an inflammation of the small vessels in the dermis characterised by the deposition of immunocomplexes in the involved vessel walls. It commonly manifests as palpable purpura, limited to the skin and predominantly of the lower limb. We report a rare case of necrotising LV (NLV) affecting bilateral breast, manifesting clinical features of necrotising fasciitis (NF), and emphasizes the potential diagnostic challenges that markedly influence the treatment and survival of patients. A 48-year-old female presented with an acute onset left breast skin necrosis and discolouration that rapidly progressed to the contralateral breast with surrounding erythema and oedema of the chest wall yet spared the intermammary cleft. Some non-blanching purpuric rash were also noted on upper abdomen and left lower limb. COVID-19 test was negative. CT scan showed extensive bilateral breast fat stranding and oedema. Patient became clinically septic with a moderately raised CRP and mild acute kidney injury. Radical mastectomies and chest wall excision were performed with intra-operative findings of cloudy fluid and easily peeled away subcutaneous tissue from fascia. Urgent gram stain and culture showed no organisms. Tissue biopsies subsequently showed the diagnosis of NLV. Chest wall defect was then reconstructed with split skin grafts, NLV treated with corticosteroids and patient made an uneventful recovery. This case highlights the incidence of a rare and aggressive manifestation of NLV on the breast that mimics NF, emphasizing the clinical differentiation that may lead to catastrophic results and significant cosmetic defect, if a differential diagnosis cannot be determined at the time.