Extensive necrotizing fasciitis in a diabetic patient.

Necrotizing fasciitis is a rare but life-threatening infection of the subcutaneous tissue. In addition to Group A streptococci, polymicrobial infection with various aerobic and anaerobic gram positive or gram negative bacteria is frequently observed. The present case illustrates that a high level of clinical suspicion is necessary for early diagnosis of this disease and confirms the value of computed tomography in patients with sepsis of unknown origin. Because of rapid progression of the disease early debridement of necrotic tissue is mandatory for survival.