[Necrotizing fasciitis complicating transthoracic biopsy].

INTRODUCTION: Necrotizing fasciitis is a rapidly progressive and often fatal infection of the soft-tissue fascia deep to the skin but superficial to the muscles. We report a case of necrotizing fasciitis of the anterior chest wall complicating a percutaneous needle biopsy. CASE: A 49-year-old diabetic patient, presented persistent excavated right pulmonary opacities. A percutaneous biopsy was obtained and complicated by a necrotizing fasciitis. The patient underwent surgery for total resection of the necrotic tissues followed by antibiotic treatment. Outcome was favorable after 30 days of antibiotic therapy. DISCUSSION: Necrotizing fasciitis is a life threatening complication of transthoracic percutaneous biopsy. Prognosis depends on rapid diagnosis and treatment.