Reconstruction of cervical necrotizing fasciitis defect with the modified keystone flap technique:Two case reports

BACKGROUND Cervical necrotizing fasciitis(CNF)is a rare,aggressive form of deep neck space infection with significant morbidity and mortality rates.Serial surgical debridement acts as the cornerstone of CNF treatment;however,it often results in defects requiring complex reconstructions.CASE SUMMARY We report two cases in which the keystone flap(KF)was used for CNF defect coverage:Case 1,an 85-year-old patient with CNF in the anterior neck,and Case 2,a 54-year-old patient with CNF in the posterior neck.Both patients received empirical intravenous antibiotic therapy and underwent serial debridement,enabling adequate wound preparation and stabilization.The final defect size measured 5.5 cm×12 cm in Case 1 and 6 cm×11 cm in Case 2.For defect coverage,we employed an 8 cm×19 cm type II KF based on perforators from the superior thyroid artery in Case 1 and a 9 cm×18 cm type II KF based on perforators from the transverse cervical artery in Case 2.Both flaps showed complete survival.No postoperative complications occurred in both cases,and favorable outcomes were observed at 7-and 6-month follow-ups in case 1 and 2,respectively.CONCLUSION We effectively treated CNF-associated defects using the KF technique;KF is viable for covering CNF defects in carefully selected cases.

Necrotizing Fasciitis Secondary to Emphysematous Cholecystitis and Cholecystocutaneous Fistula: A Rare Case Report Presentation

Emphysematous cholecystitis is a rare subtype of acute cholecystitis characterized by the presence of gas in the gallbladder wall secondary to ischemia. Typically, this is a result of cystic artery vascular compromise with a concomitant infection from gas-forming organisms such as Clostridium species, Klebsiella species, or Escherichia coli. The mortality rate of acute emphysematous cholecystitis is 15% - 20% compared with 1.4% in uncomplicated acute cholecystitis. The subsequent development of a cholecystocutaneous fistula, an abnormal connection between the gallbladder and the skin, is also a rare complication of gallbladder disease. We describe a case of a 77-year-old male who presented with right flank necrotizing fasciitis which developed from a cholecystocutaneous fistula secondary to emphysematous cholecystitis. Once the necrotic tissues were adequately debrided, the large open wound was treated with negative pressure wound therapy with instillation (NPWT-i) utilizing hypochlorous acid (HOCL). The wound was closed with a split-thickness skin graft.

Necrotizing fasciitis secondary to enterocutaneous fistula:Three case reports

Necrotizing fasciitis(NF)is an uncommon,rapidly progressive,and potentially fatal infection of the superficial fascia and subcutaneous tissue.NF caused by an enterocutaneous fistula has special clinical characters compared with other types of NF.NF caused by enterocutaneous fistula may have more rapid progress and more severe consequences because of multiple germs infection and corrosion by digestive juices.We treated three cases of NF caused by postoperative enterocutaneous fistula since Jan 2007.We followed empirically the principle of eliminating anaerobic conditions of infection,bypassing or draining digestive juice from the fistula and changing dressings with moist exposed burn therapy impregnated with zinc/silver acetate.These three cases were eventually cured by debridement,antibiotics and wound management.

Multi-limb necrotizing fasciitis in a patient with rectal cancer

Necrotizing fasciitis is a devastating soft tissue infection affecting fascias and subcutaneous soft tissues. Literature reviews have identified several related risk factors, including malignancy, alcoholism, malnutrition, diabetes, male gender and old age. There are only scanty case reports in the literature describing its rare association with colorectal malignancy. All published cases are attributed to bowel perforation resulting in necrotizing fasciitis over the perineal region. Isolated upper or lower limb diseases are rarely identified. Simultaneous upper and lower limb infection in colorectal cancer patients has never been described in the literature. We report an unusual case of multi-limb necrotizing fasciitis in a patient with underlying non-perforated rectal carcinoma.

Necrotizing Fasciitis of the Upper and Lower Limbs: Port Harcourt Experience

Background: Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a rare but life-threatening soft-tissue infection characterized by rapidly spreading inflammation and subsequent necrosis of the fascial planes and surrounding tissue. Aim: To determine the clinical characteristics at presentation, causative pathogens and clinical outcome of NF after aggressive management. Patients and methods: We retrospectively reviewed case notes of patients with NF referred to the Teaching Hospital in Port Harcourt from January 2004 to December 2009. Results: The case notes of over 2,280 patients with history of cellulitis and/or infections of the upper and lower limbs were reviewed. These cases were seen in a five-year period from 2004 to 2009. Seventy five (3.29%) patients had a diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis and were evaluated. Only those with infections on the lower and upper limbs were further analyzed. Thirty five (46.67%) patients had their infections in the lower limb while 40 (53.33%) patients had their infections in the upper limb. Twenty (26.67%) patients were found to be diabetic on admission. Thirty (30%) patients sustained injuries on their limbs while 5 (6.67%) patients could not give account of their infections. Eleven (14.66%) patients had fixed flexion deformities as their wounds healed and had to have further plastic surgery to extend their limbs and 7 (9.33%) patients died while on admission. Conclusion: Although an early diagnosis of NF can be difficult, a high index of suspicion is required in all patients presenting with unexplained warmth and/or cellulitis of the limbs, so that prompt and aggressive debridement can be carried out with commencement of broad spectrum antibiotics.

Necrotizing fasciitis of cryptoglandular infection treated with multiple incisions and thread-dragging therapy:A case report

BACKGROUND Necrotizing fasciitis is a fulminant necrotizing soft tissue disease with a high fatality rate.It always starts with impact on the deep fascia rapidly and might result in secondary necrosis of the subcutaneous tissue,fascia,and muscle.Thus,timely and multiple surgical operations are needed for the treatment.Meanwhile,the damage of skin and soft tissue caused by multiple surgical operations may require dermatoplasty and other treatments as a consequence.CASE SUMMARY Here,we report a case of 50-year-old male patient who was admitted to our hospital with symptoms of necrotizing fasciitis caused by cryptoglandular infection in the perianal and perineal region.The symptoms of necrotizing fasciitis,also known as the cardinal features,include hyperpyrexia,excruciatingly painful lesions,demonstration gas in the tissue,an obnoxious foul odor and uroschesis.The results of postoperative pathology met the diagnosis.Based on the premise of complete debridement,multiple incisions combined with thread-dragging therapy(a traditional Chinese medicine therapy)and intensive supportive therapies including comprising antibiotics,nutrition and fluids were given.The outcome of the treatment was satisfactory.The patient recovered quickly and achieved ideal anal function and morphology.CONCLUSION Timely and effective debridement and multiple incisions combined with thread-dragging therapy are an integrated treatment for necrotizing fasciitis.

Multidisciplinary treatment of a patient with necrotizing fasciitis caused by Staphylococcus aureus: A case report

BACKGROUND Necrotizing fasciitis is a severe bacterial skin infection that spreads quickly and is characterized by extensive necrosis of the deep and superficial fascia resulting in the devascularization and necrosis of associated tissues.Because of high morbidity and mortality,accurate diagnosis and early treatment with adequate antibiotics and surgical intervention are vital.And timely identification and treatment of complications are necessary to improve survival of patient.CASE SUMMARY We report a case of necrotizing fasciitis caused by Staphylococcus aureus in a patient using high doses of glucocorticoid and suffering from secondary diabetes mellitus.He was admitted to our hospital due to redness and oedema of the lower limbs.After admission,necrotizing fasciitis caused by Staphylococcus aureus was considered,and he was discharged after B-ultrasound drainage and multiple surgical operations.In the process of treatment,multiple organ functions were damaged,but with the help of multi-disciplinary treatment,the patient got better finally.CONCLUSION The key to successful management of necrotizing fasciitis is an early and accurate diagnosis.The method of using vacuum sealing drainage in postoperative patients can keep the wound dry and clean,reduce infection rate,and promote wound healing.Interdisciplinary collaboration is a vital prerequisite for successful treatment.

Necrotizing fasciitis following mild trauma in a patient with mellitus diabetes: a case report

Rationale: Necrotizing fasciitis is a rare infection of fascia tissues. It progresses quickly and has high morbidity and mortality. In this study, we aimed to explore a case of necrotizing fasciitis in a diabetic patient. Patient concerns: A 46-year-old woman presented with severe pain and inflammation in the left leg, and with fever and chills. Diagnosis: Necrotizing fasciitis in the left leg. Intervention: Broad debridement of infectious tissues and broad-spectrum venous antibiotics. Outcomes: The patient was discharged without pain, inflation, or fever. Lesson: This disease is a surgical emergency, therefore, early diagnosis and quick and invasive treatment could significantly decrease morbidity and mortality.

Necrotizing fasciitis of lower extremity due to diverticulitis perforation:a case report

Rationale: Necrotizing fasciitis is an aggressive infection of subcutaneous tissues, which tends to spread rapidly through the fascial planes. Colonic diverticulosis is a common disease in advanced age, although it rarely causes a lethal necrotizing soft-tissue infection. Patient concerns: A 58-year-old woman complained of left leg pain for 15 d without abdominal pain. Diagnosis: Diverticulitis perforation presented as necrotizing fasciitis of the left thigh. Interventions: Extensive debridement. Outcomes: The patient died due to sepsis-induced multiple organ failure and severe metabolic acidosis. Lessons: Clinicians should be aware of presentations of diverticulitis in patients who have a soft-tissue infection in lower extremity even though patients may not have had a history of diverticulosis or abdominal pain.

<i>Vibrio vulnificus</i>septicemia and necrotizing fasciitis in the patients with liver cirrhosis and diabetes mellitus

Vibrio vulnificus (V. vulnificus) infection is a rare disease in Japan but the leading cause of death related to raw seafood consumption. We hereby reported a successfully treated case of V. vulnificus septicemia, severe necrotizing fasciitis, disseminated intravascular coagulation and multiple organ failure after raw perch consumption with underlying alcoholic liver cirrhosis and diabetes mellitus. It is the first report of a case of V. vulnificusinfection caused by eating raw perch, whereas V. vulnificus infection should be suspected in all of middle-aged to elderly men with underlying immunosuppressive diseases, who have recent consumption of raw seafood or contact with seawater, especially in the summer. The levels of HbA1c and glycoalbumin were not high in the present case, however, obvious hyperglycemia was found even after the infection had completely healed. On reviewing 166 case of V. vulnificus infection in Japan including ours, the complication of diabetes mellitus, one of immunocompromised condition, was found only in 11%, although it had been reported that individuals strongly suspected of having diabetes were 17.2% among the Japanese male population aged from 40 to 74 years. Because diabetes mellitus might be underdiagnosed in the previous reports, intensive examinations are considered to be necessary in order to correctly diagnose diabetes mellitus in patients with severe V. vulnificus infection.

Periorbital Necrotizing Fasciitis Caused by Streptococcus Viridians

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a life threatening soft tissue infection characterized by necrosis of fascia and subcutaneous tissue. If this disease is misdiagnosed and mistreated, because of the fast spreading, it can lead to death. Prompt treatment with antibiotics and surgical debridement is necessary and lifesaving in this disease. In uncomplicated cases and early stages of the disease it can be treated only with intravenous antibiotics. This study presents a 70-year-old female, farmer who approached in our clinic with edema of periorbital region and a minor trauma in her lower eyelid. First skin anthrax of eyelids was considered in differential diagnosis, because the patient was in contact with animals. Culture taken from the wound resulted positive for Streptococcus viridians α hemolytic Streptococcus: the viridians group. Treatment with Ceftriaxone + Penicillin was initiated immediately. Patient responded to intravenous antibiotics and after 2 days the edema began to regress. After 2 weeks patient was discharged from the hospital and the clinical outcome was satisfactory. Based on this case early diagnosed necrotizing fasciitis may be treated only with antibiotics.

Necrotizing Fasciitis: A Surgical and Medical Emergency

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is still remained a dreaded disease with high morbidity and mortality due to rapidly progressive necrotizing infection. Objective: Review recent available literature on necrotizing fasciitis (NF) and compare it with our publications. Data and Source: Local and international published literature on NF from early nineties to 2012;Midline and pub Med literature search using the term “necrotizing fasciitis”. Data Synthesis: NF is more common in male patient, it is frequently polymicrobial. Common site of NF is the extremities. NF is classified according to the microbes. Common co-morbid condition associated with NF is diabetes mellitus. Minor trauma and surgery are the major etiological risk factors for NF. There seems to be significant correlation between the use of non steroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID) and NF. Severe pain disproportionate to injury is the presenting symptom. Laboratory risk indicators for necrotizing fasciitis (LRINEC) score will diagnose NF early in emergency clinics. Tissue biopsy is the gold standard for the diagnosis of NF. Pathophysiology of NF is rapid horizontal spread of infection with fascial necrosis and secondary vertical involvement of skin. More than 90% of NF patients need intensive care therapy. Early and bold debridement in combination with brave organ supportive intensive care will have better outcome of NF patients. Conclusion: High index of suspicion and knowledge is essential for early diagnosis of NF. Finger test and LRINEC score may help in early diagnosis. Early debridement, proper antibiotics and organ supportive intensive care will improve morbidity and mortality of NF patients.

Necrotizing Fasciitis in the Puerperium of a Woman with Complement Deficiency: Case Report and Review Literature

Complement deficiencies are uncommon types of primary immunodeficiency. Necrotizing fasciitis is a rare complication in pregnancy characterized by soft tissue invasion and necrosis of the subcutaneous and other adjacent tissues, leading to high mortality rates. We report a case of a 29-year-old pregnant woman with functional deficiency of the C4 complement component and short uterine cervix. Admitted at the hospital with preterm labor, she received multiple doses of immunoglobulin. After 8 weeks, she had a premature membrane rupture, and due to pelvic presentation she had a cesarean. The patient presented multiple obstetric complications, such as operative wound infection, endometritis, sepsis, necrotizing fasciitis and pelvic septic thrombophlebitis. She underwent multiple antimicrobial schemes, a hysterectomy and 4 extensive debridements of the abdominal wall because of significant necrosis. She stayed at the hospital for 101 days (32 of those in ICU in immediate postpartum). 41 days after cesarean, patient was discharged in good conditions. Our case emphasizes individual handling and high multiple doses of immunoglobulin for favorable outcome of the case.

Secondary craniofacial necrotizing fasciitis from a distant septic emboli: A case report

BACKGROUND Craniofacial necrotizing fasciitis(CNF)is an uncommon but fatal infection that can spread rapidly through the subfascial planes in the head and neck region.Symptoms usually progress rapidly,and early management is necessary to optimize outcomes.CASE SUMMARY A 43-year-old man visited our hospital with left hemifacial swelling involving the buccal and submandibular areas.The patient had fever for approximately 10 d before visiting the hospital,but did not report any other systemic symptoms.Computed tomography scan demonstrated an abscess with gas formation.After surgical drainage of the facial abscess,the patient’s systemic condition worsened and progressed to septic shock.Further examination revealed pulmonary and renal abscesses.Renal percutaneous catheter drainage was performed at the renal abscess site,which caused improvement of symptoms.The patient showed no evidence of systemic complications during the 4-mo post-operative follow-up period.CONCLUSION As the patient did not improve with conventional CNF treatment and symptoms only resolved after controlling the infection,the final diagnosis was secondary CNF with septic emboli.Aggressive surgical decompression is important for CNF management.However,if symptoms worsen despite early diagnosis and management,such as pus drainage and surgical intervention,clinicians should consider the possibility of a secondary abscess from internal organs.

Necrotizing Fasciitis in Low Income Countries: About 23 Cases of Bujumbura Hospitals

Background: Necrotizing fasciitis is a rapidly spreading soft tissue infection involving the deep facial layers. It can cause secondary necrosis leading to significant morbidity and mortality. The most important predictor of mortality is a delay in diagnosis. In low income countries, that delay must be high and other predictors of morbidity and mortality must be pointed out. Objective: To determine necrotizing fasciitis (NF) prognostic factors in a low income country. Patients and Methods: It is a prospective and descriptive study conducted over a one-year period from November 1, 2017 to November 1, 2018 about 23 cases of necrotizing fasciitis in two hospitals of Bujumbura. Results: The incidence of necrotizing fasciitis in these 2 hospitals (Kamenge Teaching Hospital and Prince Regent Charles Hospital) was 1%. The average age of patients was 41.76 years. Males were predominant with a sex ratio of 1.55. The risk factors for NF were: NSAIDs in 39%;HIV infection in 13%, diabetes mellitus in 4% and high blood pressure in 4%. The average time from symptoms onset to admission was 17.13 days. The mean time from admission to surgical treatment was 4 days with extremes of 1 to 22 days. The most affected site was the lower limb in 82% of cases. All patients (96%) were treated with necrotic tissue debridement. It was associated with skin grafting in 48% of cases. One patient (4%) with diabetes mellitus and HIV infection was amputated. The mortality rate was 22% (n = 5). Among those 5 patients, there was a combination of risk factors (diabetes mellitus, NSAID use and HIV infection) in 80% (n = 4), 60% (n = 3) were over 60 years of age and 60% (n = 3) were operated 10 days after the onset of symptoms. The average time of hospital stay was 101 days with extremes of 14 to 400 days. Conclusion: Necrotizing fasciitis is associated with a high mortality rate in low income countries. The use of NSAIDs;delayed treatment, elderly and immunosuppressive conditions such as diabetes mellitus and HIV are the most prognostic factors in Bujumbura hospitals.

Cervical Thoracic Necrotizing Fasciitis with the Mammary Gland Spread of Odontogenic Origin

Necrotizing fasciitis is an uncommon infection, but potentially lethal, especially when associated with systemic disorders such as diabetes. We report the case of a 35-year-old female with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, presenting with edema of the neck, facial and left mammary gland, secondary to untreated dental infection, progressing to a full-blown necrotizing fasciitis in a short period of time with sepsis. The patient was managed with aggressive multidisciplinary medical and surgical treatment. Despite the technologic advances in diagnosis and treatment, complications still result with astounding high mortality. Clearly, the morbidity associated to this infection, even in diabetic patients, can be minimized if an early diagnosis and effective debridement are done.

Necrotizing Fasciitis in the Sub-Saharan Zone: Analysis of an Exceptional Case and Review of the Literature

Necrotizing fasciitis (FN) are severe, fulminant infection with necrosis of the skin and superficial fascia. The variability of the clinical picture and the severity of the condition make it a formidable condition. B.A, 16 years old, breeder, was admitted to ENT hospitalization for a large necrotic cervico-thoracic and dorsal ulceration of sudden onset following febrile odynophagia. ENT examination: large necrotic wound extending from the antero-posterior cervical region to the thoraco-abdominal and dorsal region, letting pus weld with trismus at 1.5 cm and a fistula of the anterior pillar of the right tonsil. Cytobacteriological examination of the pus isolated Staphylococcus aureus. We instituted a probabilistic antibiotic therapy readjusted afterward to the association amoxicillin clavulanic acid with the result of the antibiogram. Incision, drainage and surgical debridement of all necrotic tissues were performed, leading to extensive loss of skin substance. A daily local dressing was applied for 11 days, then replaced by honey for 51 days. On the 64th day, he was entrusted to the dermatology department for a skin graft where he stayed for 3 months. Conclusion: current name, necrotizing bacterial dermohypodermatitis. Surgery has a key role in treatment. Antibiotic therapy should be broad-spectrum.

A Case of Perianal Necrotizing Fasciitis from Perianal Abscess with Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Treatment

This article discusses a case of perianal necrotizing fasciitis from perianal abscess with integrated Chinese and western medicine treatment.It has been concluded that the treatment of perianal necrotizing fasciitis from perianal abscess should focus on dispelling evil,tonifying deficiency,or attack and supplement at the same time in order to achieve the purpose of dispelling evil without harming the right while supporting the right without leaving evil.

Suspected coexistence of perianal necrotizing sweet syndrome in chronic myelomonocytic leukemia:A case report

BACKGROUND Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia(CMML)complicated with Sweet syndrome(SS)is a rare hematological neoplasm.However,cases of concomitant development of perianal necrotizing SS(NSS)have not been reported.CASE SUMMARY We report a case of a 49-year-old male patient who underwent sequential procedures for hemorrhoids and perianal abscess.He developed postoperative incision infection and was referred to the department where the authors work.Initially,perianal necrotizing fasciitis secondary to incision infection after perianal abscess surgery was suspected.Despite receiving antibiotic therapy and undergoing surgical debridement,deeper necrotic areas formed in the patient’s perianal wounds,accompanied by persistent high fever.Blood and fungal cultures yielded negative results.The final diagnosis was corrected to be CMML with suspected concomitant perianal NSS.CONCLUSION CMML with perianal NSS is a rare condition,often misdiagnosed as perianal abscess or perianal necrotizing fasciitis.Conventional antibiotic therapy and surgical debridement are ineffective in managing this condition.

Early systemic anticoagulation reduces hospital readmission in acute necrotizing pancreatitis patients:A retrospective cohort study

Background:Early systemic anticoagulation(SAC)is a common practice in acute necrotizing pancreatitis(ANP),and its impact on in-hospital clinical outcomes had been assessed.However,whether it affects long-term outcomes is unknown.This study aimed to evaluate the effect of SAC on 90-day readmission and other long-term outcomes in ANP patients.Methods:During January 2013 and December 2018,ANP patients admitted within 7 days from the onset of abdominal pain were screened.The primary outcome was 90-day readmission after discharge.Cox proportional-hazards regression model and mediation analysis were used to define the relationship between early SAC and 90-day readmission.Results:A total of 241 ANP patients were enrolled,of whom 143 received early SAC during their hospitalization and 98 did not.Patients who received early SAC experienced a lower incidence of splanchnic venous thrombosis(SVT)[risk ratio(RR)=0.40,95%CI:0.26-0.60,P<0.01]and lower 90-day readmission with an RR of 0.61(95%CI:0.41-0.91,P=0.02)than those who did not.For the quality of life,patients who received early SAC had a significantly higher score in the subscale of vitality(P=0.03)while the other subscales were all comparable between the two groups.Multivariable Cox regression model showed that early SAC was an independent protective factor for 90-day readmission after adjusting for potential confounders with a hazard ratio of 0.57(95%CI:0.34-0.96,P=0.04).Mediation analysis showed that SVT mediated 37.0%of the early SAC-90-day readmission causality.Conclusions:The application of early SAC may reduce the risk of 90-day readmission in the survivors of ANP patients,and reduced SVT incidence might be the primary contributor.