Necrotizing fascitis of the abdominal wall

Clinical Cases 27.06.2005
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Section: Musculoskeletal system
Case Type: Clinical Cases
Patient: 59 years, female
Authors: Khan ZA, Khan HK
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AI Report

Clinical History

A 59-year-old female presented as an emergency case with acute abdominal pain. A CT scan was arranged, following which she was taken to the theatre for debridement of her abdominal wall.

Imaging Findings

This 59-year-old lady presented as an emergency case with a progressive right-sided and central abdominal pain. Her abdomen had become increasingly distended. On palpating her abdomen, crepitus was felt and it was found that she had a marked tenderness. A blood test was done, which revealed a raised white cell count of 25,600. She was taken to the theatre where she was found to have extensive necrotizing fasciitis and a collection of foul smelling pus mixed with air between the subcutaneous tissues and the anterior rectus sheath, with the skin completely normal except for some oedema. The extent of the necrosis was from the pubic symphisis to the epigastrium and at least to the mid-axillary line on either side. The rectus sheath and parietal peritoneum appeared intact with no evidence of pus coming from the intra-abdominal cavity. A CT scan was arranged prior to taking her to the theatre; this confirmed the intra-operative findings, and showed no intra-abdominal mass or abscess formation. The solid viscera of the abdomen appeared to be normal.

Discussion

For more than a century, authors have described soft-tissue infections. Their occurrence has been on the rise because of an increase in the number of immunocompromised patients with diabetes mellitus, cancer, alcoholism, vascular insufficiencies, organ transplant, HIV, or neutropenia. Necrotizing fasciitis has also been referred to as haemolytic streptococcal gangrene, Meleney ulcer, acute dermal gangrene, hospital gangrene, suppurative fasciitis and synergistic necrotizing fascitis. Fournier gangrene is a form of necrotizing fascitis that is localized to the scrotum and the perineal area. Necrotizing fascitis can occur after trauma or around foreign bodies present in surgical wounds, or it can be idiopathic as in the case of scrotal or penile necrotizing fascitis. Necrotizing fascitis is a progressive, rapidly spreading, inflammatory infection located in the deep fascia, with secondary necrosis of the subcutaneous tissues. Because of the presence of gas-forming organisms, the presence of subcutaneous air is classically described in necrotizing fascitis. This may be seen only on X-ray or not at all. The speed of spread is directly proportional to the thickness of the subcutaneous layer. It moves along the deep fascial plane. These infections can be difficult to recognize in their early stages, but they rapidly progress. They require aggressive treatment in order to combat the associated high morbidity and mortality.

Differential Diagnosis List

Necrotizing fasciitis of the abdominal wall.

Final Diagnosis

Necrotizing fasciitis of the abdominal wall.

Liscense

Figures

Cross-sectional images of the abdominal wall showing necrosis in the fascial planes

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Cross-sectional images of the abdominal wall showing necrosis in the fascial planes
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Cross-sectional images of the abdominal wall showing necrosis in the fascial planes

A sagittal reconstruction showing the extent of necrosis

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A sagittal reconstruction showing the extent of necrosis