BACKGROUND: Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is an infection of the soft tissue, and is fatal if not promptly and aggressively treated. Although it is rare, it is not exceptional; nevertheless, its presentation may be misleading and may delay the diagnosis. We highlight the possible synchronous development of NF in multiple noncontiguous areas. CASE REPORT: A 44-year-old diabetic man with no history of trauma complained of nonspecific lower back pain, which he treated with analgesics and oral antibiotics. Erythema at the left arm appeared, and the general condition worsened. The patient was admitted to the Emergency Department, and NF was diagnosed at the right gluteus and left arm. CONCLUSION: "Synchronous" multifocality is not an expected presentation of NF, and it complicates the diagnosis and delays treatment, with a potentially negative impact on outcome.
BACKGROUND:Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is an infection of the soft tissue, and is fatal if not promptly and aggressively treated. Although it is rare, it is not exceptional; nevertheless, its presentation may be misleading and may delay the diagnosis. We highlight the possible synchronous development of NF in multiple noncontiguous areas. CASE REPORT: A 44-year-old diabeticman with no history of trauma complained of nonspecific lower back pain, which he treated with analgesics and oral antibiotics. Erythema at the left arm appeared, and the general condition worsened. The patient was admitted to the Emergency Department, and NF was diagnosed at the right gluteus and left arm. CONCLUSION: "Synchronous" multifocality is not an expected presentation of NF, and it complicates the diagnosis and delays treatment, with a potentially negative impact on outcome.
Authors: Falco Hietbrink; Lonneke G Bode; Louis Riddez; Luke P H Leenen; Marijke R van Dijk Journal: World J Emerg Surg Date: 2016-10-11 Impact factor: 5.469