Fournier Gangrene: A Review for Emergency Clinicians.

BACKGROUND: Fournier gangrene (FG) is a rare, life-threatening infection that can result in significant morbidity and mortality, with many patients requiring emergency department (ED) management for complications and stabilization. OBJECTIVE: This narrative review provides an evidence-based summary of the current data for the emergency medicine evaluation and management of FG. DISCUSSION: Although originally thought to be an idiopathic process, FG has been shown to have a strong association for male patients with advanced age and comorbidities affecting microvascular circulation and immune system function, most commonly those with diabetes or alcohol use disorder. However, it can also affect patients without risk factors. The initial infectious nidus is usually located in the genitourinary tract, gastrointestinal tract, or perineum. FG is a mixed infection of aerobic and anaerobic bacterial flora. The development and progression of gangrene is often fulminant and can rapidly cause multiple organ failure and death, although patients may present subacutely with findings similar to cellulitis. Laboratory studies, as well as imaging including point-of-care ultrasound, conventional radiography, and computed tomography are important diagnostic adjuncts, though negative results cannot exclude diagnosis. Treatment includes emergent surgical debridement of all necrotic tissue, broad-spectrum antibiotics, and resuscitation with intravenous fluids and vasoactive medications. CONCLUSIONS: FG requires a high clinical level of suspicion, combined with knowledge of anatomy, risk factors, and etiology for an accurate diagnosis. Although FG remains a clinical diagnosis, relevant laboratory and radiography investigations can serve as useful adjuncts to expedite surgical management, hemodynamic resuscitation, and antibiotic administration.

Use of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy With Instillation in the Management of Complex Wounds in Critically Ill Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Negative pressure wound therapy with instillation and dwell time (NPWTi-d) cleanses wounds with cyclic delivery, dwell, and removal of topical solutions to solubilize infectious materials and wound debris. OBJECTIVE: In this 2-patient case study, the authors report their experiences using NPWTi-d on 2 critically ill patients requiring management of large, complex wounds. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In both cases, normal saline was instilled with 10- to 20-minute dwell times, followed by 2 hours of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) at -125 mm Hg. RESULTS: Patient 1 was a 67-year-old woman, with a history of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, who required emergency surgery about 36 hours after ischemic efferent limb detorsion. After damage control surgery, NPWTi-d was applied for about 2 weeks. Once the wound was granulating, treatment was switched to conventional NPWT. Definitive surgery was planned for once she became physiologically optimized. Patient 2 was a 45-year-old woman presenting with septic shock and complex, necrotic wounds due to Fournier's gangrene. She received appropriate debridement, antibiotics, and adjunctive nutritional and critical care support. Then, NPWTi-d and NPWT were applied for 68 days, after which split-thickness skin grafts were used to close the right thigh, inguinal area, perineum, suprapubic area, right superior buttocks region, and back. Conventional NPWT was applied over the grafts as a bolster, and the patient was discharged to a rehabilitation center 27 days later with a 95% graft take. CONCLUSIONS: In the authors' clinical experience, NPWTi-d promoted wound healing in critically ill patients with large wounds.

Outcomes in Fournier's Gangrene Using Skin and Soft Tissue Sparing Flap Preservation Surgery for Wound Closure: An Alternative Approach to Wide Radical Debridement.

INTRODUCTION: Fournier's gangrene (FG) remains a forbidding necrotizing soft tissue infection (NSTI) that necessitates early recognition, prompt surgical excision, and goal-directed antibiotic therapy. Traditionally, surgical management has included wide radical excision for sepsis control, but this management often leaves large, morbid wounds that require complex wound coverage, prolonged hospitalizations, and/or delayed healing. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this case series is to report the outcomes of FG using a surrogate approach of concurrent debridement of spared skin and soft tissue, negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), and serial delayed primary closure (DPC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of 17 consecutive patients with FG treated with concurrent skin and soft tissue sparing surgery, NPWT, and serial DPC at Miami Valley Hospital Regional Adult Burn and Wound Center (Dayton, OH) between 2008 and 2018 was conducted. Patients were included if the following were noted: clinical suspicion of FG based on genital and perineal cellulitis, fever, leukocytosis, and confirmation of tissue necrosis upon surgical exploration. Patients not treated with skin sparing surgical debridement or wounds with an inability to maintain a NPWT dressing seal were excluded. RESULTS: The mean number of total surgeries including simultaneous debridement and reconstruction was 5.5. The average intensive care unit and hospital length of stay was 3.2 and 18.9 days, respectively. The average number of days from initial consult to wound closure was 24.3. The need for colostomy and skin grafts were nearly eliminated with this surrogate approach. Using this reproducible technique, DPC was achieved in 100% of patients. Only 11.8% (2/17) required split-thickness skin grafting as part of wound closure. The majority (9/17; 52.9%) were partially managed as an outpatient during wound closure. During staged DPC, the mean number of outpatient management days was 16.0. There were no mortalities in this series of patients. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the largest case series reported in the literature using skin and soft tissue sparing surgery for wound closure of a FG NSTI.

Air and its Sonographic Appearance: Understanding the Artifacts.

BACKGROUND: Although air has traditionally been considered a barrier to sonographic imaging, when encountered in unusual settings it can serve as an important indicator of various pathologic states as well. Clinician recognition and thorough understanding of the characteristic pattern of artifacts generated by air are critical for making a number of important diagnoses. CASE SERIES: We present five emergency department cases in which air was visualized in a pathologic location. Pneumothorax, pneumoperitoneum, necrotizing fasciitis, or Fournier's gangrene, and subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum, can be rapidly and easily identified on ultrasound by the presence of air artifacts. The relevant sonographic findings are described and discussed in this article. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Due to its inherent impedance mismatch with other human tissues, air has a characteristic appearance on ultrasound that includes irregular hyperechoic structures, "dirty shadowing," A-lines, and decreased visualization of deeper structures. Knowledge of the sonographic appearance of air artifacts can assist the physician in making a diagnosis, selecting appropriate additional imaging, and enlisting specialist consultation.

Fournier's gangrene. A clinical review.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Fournier's gangrene is a rare, necrotising fasciitis of the external genitalia, perineal or perianal regions. The disease has a higher incidence in males and risk factors for development include diabetes, HIV, alcoholism and other immune-compromised states. The aggressive disease process is associated with a high mortality rate of 20-30%. In addition, the increasing age and prevalence of diabetes in the population, begs the need for increased clinical awareness of Fournier's gangrene with emphasis on early diagnosis and management. This review aims to highlight the relevant research surrounding Fournier's gangrene, in particular the various prognostic indicators and management strategies. METHODS: A search was conducted on the MEDLINE database for all applicable research; clinical reviews, retrospective studies and case reports. In addition to which a search of the European Association of Urology, the British Association for Urological Surgeons and the British Medical Journal was conducted for the most recent recommendations. RESULTS: Immediate broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy and urgent surgical debridement are the core managerial principles of Fournier's gangrene. The use of adjunctive therapies such as hyperbaric oxygen and vacuum assisted closure are supported in some aspects of the literature and disputed in others. The lack of randomized controlled studies limits the use of these potential additional therapies to patients unresponsive to conventional management. The value of unprocessed honey as a topical antimicrobial agent has been highlighted in the literature for small lesions in uncomplicated patients. CONCLUSION: Fournier's gangrene is a urological emergency with a high mortality rate despite advances in the medical and surgical fields. The aggressive nature of the infection advocates the need for early recognition allowing immediate surgical intervention. The opposing results of available research as well as the lack of high quality evidence surrounding emergent therapies prevents their routine use in the management of Fournier's gangrene. The absence of a specific care pathway may hinder efficient management of Fournier's gangrene, thus based on current guidelines a management pathway is suggested.

Gangrena de Fournier: revisión de factores determinantes de mortalidad / Mortality risk factors in Fournier gangrene: a literature review

La gangrena de Fournier es una fascitis necrosante polimicrobiana que afecta el periné, el escroto y/o el área perianal con una tasa de mortalidad actual del 20% al 40%. El objetivo de esta revisión es describir los factores pronósticos de mortalidad reportados en la literatura mundial, para lo cual se realizó la búsqueda de artículos indexados en Medline, utilizando los respectivos términos MeSH para la búsqueda, así como una búsqueda manual de las referencias encontradas en los artículos primarios. Se reportan diversos factores con significación estadística; sin embargo, el índice de Laor predomina como herramienta de mayor significación a la hora de determinar la mortalidad de los pacientes.

Fournier gangrene is a necrotizing fasciitis caused by facultative microorganisms that affects the perineal area, the scrotum or the perianal area. It has a 20% to 40% mortality. We performed a literature review to determine its determinants of mortality. Among all factors, the Laor index (which includes temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, serum sodium, potassium and creatine, blood leukocyte count, packed red cell volume and bicarbonate) predominates as the best tool to assess mortality risk.

Gangrena de fournier, nuevas estrategias para un viejo mal: presentacion de un caso y revision de literatura / Fournier gangrene, new strategies for an bad old: presentation of a case and review of the literature

Objetivo: Exponer un caso de gangrena de Fournier a su vez, ampliar conocimientos teorico-practicos sobre esta patología, medios diagnósticos y terapéutica clínico-quirúrgica experimental empleada; así evaluando los resultados mediatos, y repercusiones a largo plazo. Sede: Hospital Municipal Los Pinos, Segundo Nivel La Paz, Bolivia Diseño: Presentación de caso clínico Introducción: La gangrena de Fournier, es una fascitis necrotizante fulminante y progresiva, entidad infecciosa, sinérgica y polimicrobiana de la región perineal Caso clínico: Paciente masculino de 56 años, realizada la revisión semiológica, estudios laboratoriales e imagenologicos, evidencia cuadro compatible con Gangrena de Fournier. Se realizó drenaje y necrosectomia, además de limpiezas quirúrgicas e instalación de un sistema de lavado continuo experimental. El reporte patológico: tejido necrótico de licuefacción, reacción inflamatoria aguda, compatible con fascitis necrotizante. Paciente fue controlado en consulta externa para curaciones y cierre diferido de periné y bolsa escrotal. Discusión: La gangrena de Fournier constituye una emergencia quirúrgica letal, requiere tratamiento agresivo, oportuno y multidisciplinario. Los tres pilares del tratamiento vigentes son: a) Debridación amplia de tejidos necróticos, b) Apoyo sistémico hidroelectrolítico, nutricional y antibioticoterapia de amplio espectro, c) Reparación de tejidos afectados.

Objective: Exposing a case of Fournier gangrene at the same time, expand knowledge theoretical-practical about this disease, media diagnostic and Clinical-surgical experimental Therapeutics employed; thus evaluating consequential outcomes and long-term impact. Venue: Municipal Hospital Los Pinos, second level La Paz, Bolivia Design: Presentation of clinical case. Introduction: Fournier gangrene is a fulminant and progressive Necrotizing, infectious, synergistic and polymicrobial Fasciitis of the perineal region. Clinical Case: 56-year-old male patient conducted the semiotic review, laboratory studies, and imaging, evidence box compatible with Fournier's gangrene. Performed drainage and necrosectomy, as well as surgical cleaning and installation of an experimental continuous washing system. The pathological report: necrotic tissue of liquefaction, compatible with Necrotizing Fasciitis, acute inflammatory reaction. Patient was controlled in outpatient for cures and delayed closing of perineum and scrotal pouch. Discussion: Fournier gangrene is a lethal surgical emergency, requires aggressive, timely and multidisciplinary treatment. The three pillars of the treatment applicable are: a) Debridement of necrotic tissue, b) systemic support water-electrolyte, nutritional and antibiotic broad-spectrum, c) repair of affected tissues.

[Fournier's gangrene-variety of clinical model of critical states in surgery].

The investigation based on a retrospective analysis of the treatment results of Fournier's gangrene (FG) in 27 patients aged from 34 till 82 years old. There were 27 patients. Diseases of colorectal zone were the nosological reasons of FG in 15 patients. Diseases of urogenital tract had 10 patients with FG. The development of FG was determined by closed trauma (1 patient) and a gunshot wound of the perineum and the scrotum in one patient. The slowly progressive (limited) forms of the disease were noted in 15 patients, although the rapid progressive (extensive) forms were in 12 patients.All the patients had the clinical manifestations of the disease and at the same time laboratory indices indicated a presence of generalized infection and they were characterized by symptoms of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). There were 6 patient, who died out of 27.The lethality consisted of 22.2%. The reasons of the death were an infection-toxic shock (1 case), a progressive endotoxicosis (3 cases) and a pulmonary artery thromboembolism (2 cases). The results obtained testified that early diagnostics and the active strategy with radical surgical d-bridement of necrotic suppurative foci combined with programmed (staged) sanitation necrosectomy, complex system of local wound treatment, the rational antibacterial therapy, a task-specific and syndrome correction of dyscrasia could be the actual ways to improve the treatment results in patients with FG.

Síndrome de Fournier: Reconstrução de bolsa testicular com retalho fasciocutâneo de região interna de coxa / Fournier gangrene: Reconstruction of the scrotal sac with a fasciocutaneous flap from the internal thigh region

INTRODUÇÃO: A síndrome de Fournier é uma infecção multibacteriana de rápida progressão em região perineal. Seu tratamento inclui desbridamento, antibioticoterapia de amplo espectro e terapia com oxigênio em câmara hiperbárica. O desbridamento agressivo tipicamente resulta em perda da cobertura cutânea de toda bolsa escrotal, expondo ambos os testículos. No tratamento, é necessária a utilização de retalhos bem vascularizados para o reestabelecimento das funções. MÉTODO: Apresentamos a aplicação de um retalho fasciocutâneo, aproveitando a rica rede arterial da região interna da coxa para a reconstrução perineal, proposto por Ferreira et al., o qual permite o tratamento de amplos defeitos. CONCLUSÃO: O retalho descrito para reconstrução perineal é bastante versátil. Suas vantagens incluem a possibilidade de ser utilizado em diversas situações clínicas, baixo acometimento de gangrena na região doadora, reconstrução em único estágio e a espessura do retalho adequada para reconstrução desta região.

INTRODUCTION: Fournier gangrene is a rapidly progressing multi-bacterial infection in the perineal region. The treatment of this condition includes debridement, broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy, and oxygen therapy in a hyperbaric chamber. Aggressive debridement typically results in the loss of skin coverage of the entire scrotal sac, and the exposure of both testes. During treatment, it is essential to use well-vascularized flaps to ensure the recovery of function. METHOD: We describe the application of a fasciocutaneous flap-which takes advantage of the rich arterial network of the internal region of the thigh-in the perineal reconstruction method proposed by Ferreira et al. that allows for the treatment of large defects. CONCLUSION: The flap is quite versatile. Its advantages include its utility in various clinical situations, low risk of gangrene in the donor area, single-stage reconstruction, and adequate flap thickness for reconstruction.

[Fournie's disease in the light of modern ideas].

The results of treatment of scrotum gangrene (Fournier's disease) in 25 patients aged from 34 to 82 years are presented in the article. The diseases of colorectal zone were nosological reasons of Fournier's disease in 13 patients, the diseases of urogenital tract - in 10 cases. Development of Fournier's disease was associated with closed trauma in 1 patient, and 1 case was associated with gunshot wound of perineum and scrotum. Slowly progressing forms of the disease were detected in 14 patients, fulminant and rapidly progressing variants - in 11 patients. Diabetes mellitus of different severity were identified in 6 patients. Clinical picture and laboratory data evidenced about systemic infection in all patients. Non-clostridial anaerobic microbes were the main exciters of pio-necrotic process (92%). 6 patients died. Mortality was about 24%. Toxic shock was the reason of death in 1 patient, progressing endotoxemia - in 3 cases, pulmonary embolism - in 2 cases. The authors consider that early diagnosis and active tactics of radical treatment of pio-necrotic hearth in combination with programmed (phased) remedial necrectomy are effective methods for improvement of treatment results. Also such ways as complex system of local wound treatment, focused and multicomponent therapy of systemic and metabolic disorders of homeostasis are very important in complex treatment of patients.

Validation and simplification of Fournier's gangrene severity index.

OBJECTIVES: To validate the predictive value of Fournier's Gangrene Severity Index in patients with Fournier gangrene and to facilitate patient mortality risk-stratification by simplifying the Fournier's Gangrene Severity Index. METHODS: From January 1989 to December 2011, 85 male patients with clinically-documented Fournier's gangrene undergoing intensive treatment and with complete medical records were recruited. The demographic information and nine parameters of Fournier's Gangrene Severity Index were compared between survivors and non-survivors. The parameters that showed a significant difference between the two groups were selected to generate a simplified scoring index. RESULTS: Of the 85 patients recruited, 16 patients died of the disease with mortality rate of 18.8%. The Fournier's Gangrene Severity Index score at initial diagnosis was significantly higher in non-survivors than in survivors. Of the nine parameters of Fournier's Gangrene Severity Index, the scores of serum creatinine level, hematocrit level and serum potassium level were significantly different between the two groups. However, the mean body temperatures, heart rate, respiration rate, white blood cell count, serum sodium and bicarbonate levels were non-significantly different. Of the 12 patients with chronic kidney disease or end-stage renal disease, 10 died of severe sepsis. A simplified scoring index including parameters of creatinine, hematocrit and potassium was generated, which provided sensitivity and specificity of 87% and 77% in predicting patient mortality, respectively. The predictive values of this simplified Fournier's Gangrene Severity Index were shown to be non-inferior to Fournier's Gangrene Severity Index in our patients. CONCLUSIONS: The simplified Fournier's Gangrene Severity Index is easy to use at initial diagnosis, and offers a way to compare outcomes in different clinical populations.

Gangrena de Fournier. Análisis descriptivo y coste económico-sanitario de nuestra serie de 37 casos / Fournier Gangrene: Description of 37 Cases and Analysis of Associated Health Care Costs

Introducción: La gangrena de Fournier es una urgencia urológica definida como una fascitis necrotizante, con una alta mortalidad, resultado de una infección polimicrobiana que se origina en la región anorrectal y/o genitourinaria. El objetivo de este estudio es analizar las características epidemiológicas y clínicas, así como las variables que han influido en la evolución y mortalidad de los pacientes tratados en nuestro Servicio. Material y métodos: El estudio analiza retrospectivamente 37 pacientes diagnosticados de gangrena de Fournier en el periodo de tiempo comprendido entre enero del 2001 a octubre de 2010. Resultados: Todos los pacientes son hombres, con una edad media de 57, 68 años, existiendo diferencias estadísticas en la edad de los fallecidos respecto a los que sobreviven, 69,6 años frente a 55,8 años. El 43,2% eran diabéticos. La estancia media hospitalaria fue de 27,54 días. El 32,4% precisó de ingreso en la UCI. En el 39,8% se desconoce su etiología. La infección fue polimicrobiana en el 59,5% de los casos. El coste sanitario medio de un paciente diagnosticado de gangrena de Fournier que ingresa en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI) y requiere de al menos una cura en quirófano es de 25.108,67 euros. La mortalidad fue del 13,5%. Al estratificar las patologías estudiadas de forma independiente se observa que sólo la cardiopatía isquémica se relacionó de forma significativa con la mortalidad y una mayor estancia hospitalaria. Conclusión: La gangrena de Fournier es una patología con una alta mortalidad, a pesar de un tratamiento adecuado precoz. Es una patología con una baja incidencia, pero supone un coste elevado para el sistema sanitario, por lo que serían necesarias medidas de prevención primaria y secundaria (AU)

Background and objectives: Fournier gangrene is a urological emergency associated with a high mortality. It is a necrotizing fasciitis caused by polymicrobial infection originating in the anorectal or genitourinary area. The aim of this study was to analyze the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of Fournier gangrene along with the variables that influence disease course and mortality in patients treated in our department. Material and methods: We carried out a retrospective study of 37 patients diagnosed with Fournier gangrene between January 2001 and October 2010. Results: All of the patients were men, 43.2% had diabetes, and the mean age of the patients was 57.68 years. Statistically significant differences were observed between the age of surviving patients and that of patients who died (55.8 and 69.6 years, respectively). The mean hospital stay was 27.54 days and 32.4% of patients required admission to the intensive care unit. Etiology was unknown in 39.8% of cases. Polymicrobial infection was observed in 59.5% of cases. The mean health care cost associated with a patient diagnosed with Fournier gangrene admitted to intensive care and requiring at least 1 procedure in the operating room was €25 108.67. Mortality was 13.5%. Based on analysis of individual comorbid conditions, only ischemic heart disease displayed a statistically significant association with mortality due to Fournier gangrene; ischemic heart disease was also associated with longer hospital stay. Conclusions: Fournier gangrene is associated with high mortality despite appropriate early treatment. Although the condition is infrequent, the high associated health care costs suggest that primary and secondary prevention measures should be implemented (AU)

Terapia de oxígeno hiperbárico complementaria al desbridamiento en el control de la gangrena de Fournier: utilidad de la puntuación de un índice de severidad en la predicción de la gravedad de la enfermedad y la supervivencia del paciente / Hyperbaric oxygen therapy adjunctive to surgical debridement in management of Fournier’s gangrene: usefulness of a severity index score in predicting disease gravity and patient survival

Introducción: La terapia de oxígeno hiperbárico (TOHB) concomitante con la cirugía ha demostrado una mejora en la reducción de la mortalidad por gangrena de Fournier (GF) en comparación con la aplicación exclusiva de desbridamiento quirúrgico. La mayoría de los datos provienen de centros con un número relativamente reducido de pacientes, y en los que se emplea solamente un procedimiento quirúrgico. El objetivo planteado consistía en evaluar la eficiencia del desbridamiento agresivo con TOHB complementaria, así como evaluar el valor predictivo del índice de puntuación de gravedad de la gangrena de Fournier (IGGF). Material y métodos: 70 gangrenas de Fournier (GF) tratadas con desbridamiento quirúrgico y TOHB. Los datos evaluados fueron los resultados de las exploraciones físicas, los análisis de laboratorio tanto en el momento del ingreso como los finales, la extensión del desbridamiento quirúrgico y el antibiótico utilizado. Los pacientes recibieron TOHB complementaria. Se desarrolló un IGGF con el fin de adjudicar una puntuación que describiese la gravedad de la enfermedad. Este índice tiene en cuenta las constantes vitales de los pacientes, los parámetros metabólicos (niveles de sodio, potasio, creatinina y bicarbonato, así como recuento de linfocitos) y calcula una puntuación relativa a la gravedad de la enfermedad en ese momento. Se evaluaron los datos en función de la supervivencia o no del paciente. Todos los pacientes fueron sometidos a desbridamiento quirúrgico, realizándose el desbridamiento de la herida de forma periódica en el periodo postoperatorio. Resultados: De un total de 70 pacientes fallecieron 8 (el 11,4%) y sobrevivieron 62 (el 88,5%). La diferencia de edad entre los supervivientes (edad media 50,0 años) y no supervivientes (edad media 54,5 años) no fue significativa (p = 0,321). La extensión media del área del cuerpo afectada por el proceso de necrosis en los pacientes que sobrevivieron y en los que no sobrevivieron era del 2,4 y del 4,9%, respectivamente (p = 0,001). Excepto en lo referente a la albúmina, no se encontraron diferencias significativas entre supervivientes y no supervivientes. Las puntuaciones medias en el IGGF en el momento del ingreso de los supervivientes y de los no supervivientes fueron de 2,1±2,0 y de 4,2±3,8, (p = 0,331). Conclusión: La puntuación del IGGF no resultó ser un factor de predicción de la gravedad, de la enfermedad ni de la supervivencia del paciente. Sin embargo, tanto las alteraciones metabólicas como la extensión de la enfermedad aparecieron como factores significativos de riesgo en cuanto a predicción de la gravedad de la GF y la supervivencia del paciente (AU)

Introduction: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) concomitant to surgery has been reported to reduce Fournier’s gangrene (FG) mortality compared to exclusive surgical debridement. Most report from centers with relatively few patients using only surgical procedure. To assess efficiency of aggressive debridement with adjunctive HBOT. To evaluate Fournier’s gangrene severity score index (FGSI) predictive value. Material and methods: 70 Fournier’s gangrene (FG) treated by surgical debridement and HBOT. Data were evaluated physical examination findings, admission and final laboratory tests, surgical debridement extent, and antibiotic used. Patients had adjunctive (HBOT). FGSI, developed toa ssign a score describing the acuity of disease, was used. This index presents patients’ vital signs, metabolic parameters (sodium, potassium, creatinine, and bicarbonate levels, and white blood cell count) and computes a score relating to the severity of disease at that time. Data were assessed according to whether the patient survived or died. All patients underwent surgical debridement. Wound debridement was regularly performed in the post operative period. Results: Of 70 patients, 8 died (11.4%) and 62 survived (88.5%). Difference in age between survivors (median age, 50.0 yr) and non survivors (median age, 54.5 yr) was not significant (p = 0.321). Median extent of body surface area involved in necrotizing process in patients who survived and did not survive was 2.4% and 4.9%, respectively (p = 0.001). Except for albumin, no significant differences were found between survivors and non survivors. Median admission FGSI scores for survivors and non survivors were 2.1±2.0 and 4.2±3.8, (p = 0.331).Conclusion: FGSI score did not predict disease severity and the patient’s survival. Metabolic aberrations, extent of disease seemed to be important risk factors for predicting FG severity and patient survival (AU)

Pleomorphic malignant fibrous histiocytoma/undifferentiated high-grade pleomorphic sarcoma of the scrotum in a patient presenting as fournier gangrene: a case report.

Pleomorphic malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH), also known as undifferentiated high-grade pleomorphic sarcoma according to the latest World Health Organization classification, is a diagnosis of exclusion and extremely rare in adult scrotal/paratesticular region. Clinical presentation of scrotal/paratesticular pleomorphic MFH is usually a painless and gradual scrotal swelling. We report a case of scrotal MFH in a 63-year-old man who presented as Fournier gangrene after 10-month painful scrotal swelling and multiple procedures. The specimen of emergent debridement was submitted for pathologic and bacteriologic examination. Microscopically, the lesion had marked architectural and cytologic pleomorphism. The neoplastic cells were positive for vimentin, but negative for all lineage-specific markers. Fluorescence in-situ hybridization showed an aneuploid karyotype and negative results for lipomatous tumor abnormalities. Bacterial cultures of the specimen showed extensive growth of virulent polymicrobes. The diagnosis of scrotal/paratesticular pleomorphic MFH with concurrent Fournier gangrene was made. Thoracic computed tomography scan showed bilateral multiple pulmonary nodules. The patient died 1 month later.

Fournier's gangrene as a possible side effect of bevacizumab therapy for resected colorectal cancer.

Bevacizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for use in combination with fluorouracil (FU)-based chemotherapy for first-line treatment of patients with metastatic colorectal carcinoma (CRC). Its mechanism of action is inhibition of tumor angiogenesis by neutralizing vascular endothelial growth factor. Adverse events resulting from its use include gastrointestinal perforation, wound-healing complications, hemorrhage, and arterial thromboembolism. We present a case of a 67-year-old man who developed Fournier's gangrene during treatment with bevacizumab 4 months after completing mFOLFOX6 (5-FU/leucovorin/oxaliplatin) for CRC. Other than bevacizumab, the patient had no medications and had no medical conditions that would predispose to Fournier's gangrene.

[Gangrene of Fournier, treatment, classification].

The experience of treatment with favorable outcome of 3 patients, in whom gangrene of Fournier was diagnosed, was summarized.The necessity of application of "agressive" surgical tactics in early terms of the disease was stressed.